Module information
Details
- Title
- Specialist Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-H-S5-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module aims to provide an understanding of the specialist expertise in immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology in healthcare and how scientists are custodians of the sample. This module will aim to develop a portfolio of broad skills preparing trainees to work as healthcare scientists as part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering high quality services for patients and other stakeholders.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Carry out validation or re-validation for a piece of equipment used in the preparation/testing of samples for immunohistochemistry and/or molecular testing, report results and make recommendations for remedial actions where required |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
With supervision from a consultant, interpret appropriate immunohistochemistry stains, which contribute to the final pathology report for the following pathologies:
|
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Review cellularity, necrosis and tumour burden of histological samples, for the following pathologies:
|
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
With supervision from a consultant, request appropriate molecular tests for the following pathologies:
|
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
With supervision from a consultant, interpret the results of appropriate molecular tests, which contribute to the final pathology report for the following pathologies:
|
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
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 |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 4 |
Competency
Apply diagnostic and prognostic algorithms with supervision from a consultant |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Prepare patient samples for molecular testing at another site and/or organisation |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 5 |
Competency
In relation to malignant disease, capture, annotate and describe:
|
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Identify key features in immunohistochemistry staining.
- Identify and interpret prognostic biomarkers.
- Review the staining of control tissue to determine sensitivity and specificity of the test.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Discuss/provide an overview of case(s) involving immunohistochemistry and/or molecular testing to be presented at a multidisciplinary team meeting.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Evaluate equipment and methods used in immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology to ensure the continued delivery of an effective histopathology service. |
| 2 | Interpret immunohistochemistry and molecular tests applied to malignant pathologies. |
| 3 | Identify molecular tests request for the investigation of malignant pathologies and prepare samples for testing. |
| 4 | Apply diagnostic and prognostic algorithms. |
| 5 | Employ techniques to capture, annotate and describe macroscopic and microscopic images of malignant pathologies. |
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:
- Critically evaluate the role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted treatments of a range of cancers.
- Discuss the role of genomics, bioinformatics and molecular results in the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted treatments of a range of cancers.
- Outline the patient pathway from diagnosis to treatment and follow up in a range of cancers.
Indicative content
- Principles of the initiation and mechanisms of malignant growth and metastasis.
- General principles of malignant pathological processes at the macroscopic, microscopic and molecular level.
- Aetiology and main clinical features of common malignant diseases and their impact on patient management.
- Key cancer biomarkers and links with treatment, follow-up, disease monitoring and prognosis.
- Genomic testing strategies – sample types, test directory requirements and platforms available.
- Relate genomics and bioinformatics to the clinical investigation of cancer and the relationship between these specialisms and histopathology.
- Germline vs somatic mutations and diagnostic algorithms including germline susceptibility where relevant.
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
- Attend relevant cancer/molecular pathology multidisciplinary team meetings to appreciate the role of immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology, the implications of biomarker and molecular testing in patient management, and the implications of genetic results in patient/familial management.
- Attend a relevant clinic taking samples from patients with potential cancer, e.g. dermatology, endoscopy, breast clinic, urology clinic to appreciate the patient experience and pathway.