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, laboratory-based sessions
covering current diagnostic methodologies, along with hands-on training
in bioinformatic 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, 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. The course is also approved
annually for CPD accreditation by the Royal College of
Pathologists.

Feedback from the 2016 course

• Without question, the best course I have ever attended. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.
• I enjoyed the course immensely and found it very useful.
• This is a well-designed course which provides a comprehensive introduction to molecular pathology, with direct relevance to practicing histopathologists. It was enormously useful in introducing concepts that are poorly taught in the standard curriculum at present. Additionally, many of the talks were quite inspirational, and it was fascinating to hear about research that will be affecting the nature of our profession in the near future. Thank you to the organisers and the speakers for an excellent week.
• I want to thank the organizer for the opportunity to learn and appreciate the array of world experts in different fields of genomics. This is an eye opener and a positive guide to my research work. THANK YOU
• Wonderful course, well organized in the smallest details, dedicated teachers, very useful and unique learning opportunity for the clinical and research community. My deepest and most sincere congratulations to all who made the course happening!
• Thank you very much – it was fantastic.

The programme will include lecture and practical
laboratory/computer-based 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.
Participants will also gain an understanding of the format 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. The course also hopes to inspire trainees to
follow a career in genomic cancer medicine and research.

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

Guest speakers
Mark
Arends University of Edinburgh, UK
James
Brenton Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute,
UK
Rachel Butler Cardiff and Vale University
Health Board, UK
Rebecca Fitzgerald
University of Cambridge, UK

Hege
Russnes Oslo
University Hospital, Norway
Jonathan Roberts Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Manuel
Salto-Tellez Queen’s University Belfast, UK
Mike Scott Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
Marc
Tischkowitz University of Cambridge, UK

Prerequisites
Applicants should be trainee pathologists or haematologists. Clinical
scientists entering the field of molecular
diagnosis are also encouraged
to apply.

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 £760 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. Places are limited
and will be awarded on merit. 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
Deadline for Applications: Closed

Travel visas
Please contact the
event organiser if you require a letter to support a travel visa
application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website and information for general visitors and business
visitors.

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 £760 towards board and lodging for
non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

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.