Training activity information
Details
Select the correct genetic tests for circulating tumour referrals, to include:
- NSCLC/EGFR
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the key genetic tests for NSCLC using circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), with a focus on EGFR? What are the clinical implications of these tests?
- What are the advantages and limitations of using ctDNA compared to tissue biopsies for genetic testing in NSCLC?
- In what clinical scenarios is ctDNA testing for EGFR mutations typically indicated?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the selection of appropriate ctDNA tests for NSCLC/EGFR?
- What are the key factors to consider when deciding between ctDNA and tissue-based testing?
- How will this activity enhance your understanding of integrative knowledge of genomic testing of cell-free tumour DNA?
- Will you discuss the clinical utility and limitations of ctDNA testing with your training officer?
- What guidelines or publications will you review regarding the use of ctDNA in NSCLC management?
- What potential challenges might you encounter in selecting ctDNA tests (e.g., insufficient ctDNA, discordant tissue/liquid biopsy results)? How might you address these?
In action
- How are you currently approaching the selection of ctDNA assays, and what specific decisions are you making regarding the clinical context (e.g., diagnosis, monitoring, resistance) and the unique considerations of liquid biopsies versus tissue testing?
- What challenges are you encountering in this moment—such as evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of different platforms or managing incomplete referrals—and how effective are your strategies in identifying the most suitable test for the clinical question?
- How are you managing uncertainty or complexity, for instance by seeking specialist advice or adjusting your selection to account for critical turnaround times and clinical implications within the NSCLC pathway?
On action
- What were the key indications for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing in the NSCLC case(s) you considered?
- What specific genetic markers were targeted in the EGFR testing?
- Were there any limitations or advantages of ctDNA testing that became apparent during this activity?
- Did you enhance your understanding of the clinical applications of ctDNA testing in NSCLC?
- Did you learn about the significance of EGFR mutations in the management of NSCLC?
- How does ctDNA testing complement or differ from tissue-based testing in this context?
- How will you stay informed about the expanding range of ctDNA tests and their applications in oncology?
- What are the key factors to consider when deciding whether to use ctDNA or tissue-based testing?
- How will you communicate the benefits and limitations of ctDNA testing to relevant stakeholders?
Beyond action
- Considering your later experiences, how has your understanding of the advantages and limitations of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing evolved since this initial DTA?
- Have discussions in multidisciplinary teams or learning about monitoring strategies in NSCLC provided new insights into the significance of EGFR testing in ctDNA?
- How does the knowledge gained here about selecting tests for circulating tumour referrals relate to selecting tests for other sample types you now handle?
- As ctDNA testing becomes more integrated into patient pathways, how will your foundational understanding from this training activity prepare you for future developments and applications?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Apply appropriate sample selection criteria for the commonly referred cancer samples, taking into account the implications of the referral with respect to sample type, sampling mixed cell populations, limits of detection, sensitivity of assay and patient management. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Select the laboratory testing strategy for the commonly referred cancer samples at all stages of the patient pathway. |