Molecular Pathology and Diagnosis of Cancer

A joint initiative of the Wellcome Genome Campus and the RCPath Interspecialty Committee on Molecular Pathology, this course is aimed primarily at trainee pathologists or haematologists. The programme introduces participants to the rapidly evolving field of the molecular diagnosis of cancer. Clinical scientists entering the field of molecular diagnosis are also encouraged to apply.

The course consists of a series of practical sessions covering current
diagnostic methodologies, along with hands-on training in bioinformatics
tools and techniques for analysis of sequence data.

In addition, the programme includes talks and demonstrations of next
generation sequencing platforms (including the latest developments in
genomic technologies) as well as discussions on the ethical, societal and
practical implications of introducing genome-wide genetic analyses to the
clinic.

The course will also host a number of leading national and international
speakers who will give lectures on the molecular pathology of a number of
cancers, including lung, colorectal, leukaemia, myeloma and others.

PLEASE NOTE: Limited bursaries are available for
clinical and academic applicants from anywhere in the world to attend
this course and are awarded on merit. In addition, CPD accreditation will
be sought from the Royal College of Pathologists.

Feedback from the 2015 course

-This is a hugely important course to run in terms of increasing
awareness of molecular pathology diagnostics amongst
cellular pathologists and consequently development of NHS services
incorporating molecular cancer diagnostics.
-Thank you, executed to a high standard!
-A very special thank you to all organisers for putting together such an
excellent course with a good balance between
practical sessions, theory and discussions.
-It was a fantastic course with excellent organization.
-Excellent course, really helpful. Thank you very much.
-One of the best courses I have attended, would like to attend similar
courses.

The programme will include lecture and laboratory/computer-based
practical sessions covering the following topics:

• Standard and real-time PCR
• DNA electrophoresis
• Capillary (Sanger) sequencing
• Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH)
• State-of-the-art next-generation sequencing technologies
• Target enrichment approaches
• Bioinformatic analysis for mutation detection

Learning outcomes

It is anticipated that by the end of the course, participants will have
sufficient knowledge of current and future molecular methodologies
applied to cancer diagnosis to be able to participate in the impending
revolution in the practice of clinical pathology and haematology.
Particpants will also gain an understanding of the structure
of next
generation sequencing data, and the use of analysis tools and
publicly-available databases to interpret these data for diagnosis and
prognosis of patients.

Finally, the course hopes to inspire trainees to follow a career in
genomic cancer medicine and research.

CPD Accreditation
CPD accreditation will be sought from the Royal College of
Pathologists.

Course instructors
George
Vassiliou Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Anthony Bench, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
Bridget Manasse, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
Peter Ellis, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Michael
Quail Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Elli
Papaemmanuil Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA

Guest speakers
Charlie
Massie Cambridge Cancer Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
Manuel
Salto-Tellez Queen’s University Belfast, UK
Mark
Arends University of Edinburgh, UK
Ian Cree, Warwick Medical School, UK
James
Brenton Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, UK
Anna
Middleton Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Marc
Tischkowitz University of Cambridge, UK

Prerequisites
Applicants should be trainee pathologists or haematologists, or clinical
scientists considering a career in molecular pathology/diagnosis.

Cost
The
course is subsidised by the Wellcome Genome Campus
Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences Programme. This is a
residential
course and there is a fee of £745 towards board and lodging
for non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Additional limited bursaries are available (up to 50% of the course fee)
and are awarded on merit. Please see the “Bursaries” tab for details.

Applications
Applications for this course can be completed online. If you have any
problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: Applications
must be supported by a
recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor or
head of department). A request for a supporting
statement will be sent
to your nominated sponsor automatically during
the application process.
Applicants must ensure that their sponsor
provides this supporting
statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting
statement cannot be considered.

Deadlines
Closed

Bursaries
Advanced Courses are subsidised for non-commercial
applicants from anywhere in the world. Additional, limited bursaries are
available (up to 50% of the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you
would like to apply for a
bursary, please complete the bursary section
of the online application
form.

Please note that both the applicant
and sponsor are required to provide
a justification for the
bursary as part of the application.

Bursary terms and conditions

UK Courses (held at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton,
Cambridge)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded by the selection committee according to merit. The bursary
covers a maximum of 50% of the course fee, though in exceptional
circumstances an application for the total course fee may be considered.
Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may
issue smaller amounts. We cannot assist with travel costs to attend UK
courses.

Overseas Courses (held outside of the UK)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded on merit to cover travel, accommodation and sustenance. The
maximum award for travel (economy class) will be £750.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form.
Applicants
will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on
the
course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The
decision of the selection committee is
final.