Information:

Module information

Details

Title
Haematological Oncology
Type
Specialist
Module code
S-CI-S4-1
Credits
10
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module aims to provide trainees with knowledge and understanding of the presentation, diagnostic tests and clinical urgency of investigating patients with suspected haematological malignancies.

Work-based content

Competencies

# Learning outcome Competency Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1, 2, 3 Competency

Select the appropriate immunological assay to investigate individuals with potential plasma cell dyscrasia

Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1, 2, 3 Competency

Perform and analyse the following immunological investigations:

  • Protein electrophoresis
  • Serum free light chains
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Immunofixation
  • Cryoglobulins
Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1, 2, 3 Competency

Identify potential haematological malignancies from routine flow cytometry immunology investigations

Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 2, 3 Competency

Recommend appropriate actions following the identification of an aberrant population on routine immunology flow cytometry, and determine further testing where suitable and escalate as appropriate

Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 2 Competency

Interpret flow cytometry data for an initial diagnostic screening panel for the following conditions:

  • CLL
  • Myeloma
Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 4 Competency

Identify relevant clinical investigations for myeloma from other disciplines that will impact on the interpretation of the immunological investigation

Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 2, 3, 4 Competency

Draft reports including interpretive clinical comments in light of clinical details and associated laboratory results for the following immunological investigations:

  • CZE/electrophoresis
  • Serum free light chains
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Immunofixation
  • Monoclonal quantitation
  • Urinanalysis
Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 1, 2, 3 Competency

Interpret and problem solve EQA for a range of assays involved in assessing potential plasma cell dyscrasia including an example of investigating concerns with EQA performance

Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 1, 3 Competency

Resolve a technical issue for two of the following:

  • Serum electrophoresis
  • Immunofixation
  • Turbidimetry /nephelometry
  • Flow cytometry
Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 2, 4 Competency

Determine clinical urgency of new abnormal findings and appropriate methods of communication with the clinical team

Action View

Assessments

Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions

Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Perform and analyse serum electrophoresis and/or capillary zone electrophoresis on patients with suspected haematological malignancies.
  • Perform and analyse a cryoglobulin test.
  • Perform the serum free light chain assay.
  • Interpret a returned EQA report for a scheme relevant to laboratory tests used for haematological malignancies.

Observed Clinical Event Titles

  • Communicate results to another healthcare professional and recommend next steps for a patient with a sample that has an aberrant population detected on routine flow.
  • Gather a patient history from another healthcare professional.
  • Communicate results to another healthcare professional and recommend next steps on a patient with new monoclonal gammopathy.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Perform laboratory investigations on samples from patients with suspected haematological malignancies.

2

Analyse, interpret and report on laboratory investigations for haematological malignancies, including recognition of abnormal results.

3

Summarise the limitations of methods used to aid diagnosis of haematological malignancies.

4

Practice in partnership with other clinical specialisms in the investigation of haematological malignancies.

Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)

Important information

The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the underlying pathogenesis of a range of haematological malignancies.
  2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of classification of haematological malignancies as defined by WHO international guidelines.
  3. Critically evaluate the design, operation and performance of diagnostic assays used in the investigation and monitoring of haematological malignancies.
  4. Critically appraise the therapeutic approaches used in clinical management of haematological malignancies.
  5. Explain the importance of integrated diagnosis and the implementation of national and international guidelines on the diagnosis and management of haematological malignancies.

Indicative content

  • Current understanding of the clinical features, pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, diagnosis and management of:
    • Myeloid malignancies
    • Lymphoid leukaemia
    • Lymphoma
    • Myeloma and plasma cell disorders
    • Myelodysplastic syndromes
    • Myeloproliferative disorders
    • Bone marrow failure syndromes
  • Introduction to the classification of haematological malignancies according to the WHO.
  • Characteristic morphology and/or immunophenotype of each disease.
  • Molecular and genetic techniques for the detection of pathogenetic variants.
  • Approaches for the monitoring of response to therapy including residual disease.
  • Current approaches to treatment of haematological malignancies and their mechanism of action to include: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant.
  • National and international guidelines for diagnosis and management of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies (NICE, BCSH, ELN, WHO).

Clinical experiences

Important information

Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.

Activities

  1. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings for an appropriate clinical specialty.
  2. Observe input into an integrated report at a haematology diagnostic service.
  3. Attend a clinic for an appropriate clinical specialty.
  4. Attend an event where patients discuss their experiences, using reflective practice.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title View
Specialty code SLS1-3-22 Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2022] Action View
Specialty code SLS1-3-23 Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2023] Action View
Specialty code SLS1-3-24 Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2024] Action View
Specialty code SLS1-3-25 Specialty title Clinical Immunology [2025] Action View