Training activity information
Details
With supervision from a consultant, interpret the results of appropriate molecular biomarker tests in the context of potential diagnostic and prognostic patient stratification and targeted therapies
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.
Considerations
- RCPath datasets
- Local SOPs and/or proforma
- NICE guidance
- Genomic test directory
- Biomarkers
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 is the difference between diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and how do they relate to patient stratification and targeted therapies?
- Are you familiar with the concept of targeted therapies in cancer treatment?
- Do you understand how specific molecular biomarkers can predict response or resistance to particular therapies?
- Are you aware of examples of molecular biomarkers used for patient stratification in the listed cancers?
- Do you know how the interpretation of these biomarker tests impacts clinical management?
- How will this activity deepen your understanding of the role of molecular biomarkers in personalised cancer medicine?
- What will you learn about the challenges and complexities of interpreting biomarker results in the context of targeted therapies?
- How will you develop your ability to integrate molecular biomarker information into patient care pathways?
- Research specific molecular biomarkers relevant to the listed cancers and their associated targeted therapies.
- Discuss with your training officer cases where molecular biomarker testing has guided treatment decisions.
- Consider potential challenges in interpreting discordant or unexpected biomarker results and think about how to approach these with your supervisor.
In action
- What specific biomarkers are you analysing? What is their known role in patient stratification and predicting response to targeted therapies?
- How are you assessing the levels or presence of these biomarkers in the context of the specific case?
- What immediate conclusions are you drawing about potential therapeutic options or prognostic implications based on these biomarkers?
- Are there any challenges in interpreting the clinical significance of these biomarkers in this particular patient? What further information or support might you need?
On action
- What specific molecular biomarkers were analysed and interpreted?
- How were the levels or presence of these biomarkers used to stratify patients or predict response to targeted therapies?
- What were the consultant’s key considerations in relating the biomarker results to clinical management?
- How did this activity improve your understanding of the role of molecular biomarkers in personalised medicine?
- What are the key biomarkers used for patient stratification and targeted therapy in the relevant cancers?
- How are the clinical implications of biomarker results determined and communicated?
- What challenges exist in the interpretation and application of molecular biomarker data?
- What specific biomarkers will you focus on learning more about in the context of targeted therapies?
- What resources will you use to stay updated on the evolving landscape of molecular biomarkers?
- How will you approach the interpretation of biomarker results in relation to patient management?
Beyond action
- How has your evolving understanding of specific cancer biomarkers and their links with treatment, follow-up, disease monitoring, and prognosis influenced your evaluation of your interpretations in this DTA?
- Reflecting on multidisciplinary team discussions where the interpretation of molecular biomarker tests directly guided treatment decisions, how has this real-world application enhanced your understanding of the significance of this DTA?
- Considering the broader aim of the module to develop a portfolio of skills for working as a healthcare scientist, how did this DTA contribute to your ability to understand the implications of biomarker and molecular testing in patient management?
- Have you encountered new or evolving biomarkers since this DTA? How do you now view your initial interpretation skills in the context of this expanding knowledge?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret immunohistochemistry and molecular tests applied to malignant pathologies. |