Saturday, April 12 | 2–2:20 p.m.
Rami Mahfouz, M.D., American University of Beirut Medical Center
In the Era of Precision Medicine, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling is finding its way into most Molecular Pathology diagnostic Laboratories worldwide. The Middle East is into it in full capacity with the validation and implementation of international renowned diagnostic assays in several countries and in prominent institutions. This presentation will expose the technical and economical logistics detailed in the process of bringing in-house, locally and regionally, such needed technology for the ultimate projected target: Precise Patient Care.
After attending this presentation, participants should be able to:
• Discuss the importance of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP).
• Compare the validation and implementation economics of CGP in international countries, including the Middle East.
• Justify the need for CGP in the region.
Soufiane El Hallani, M.D., University of Alberta
The diagnosis of solid tumors is traditionally reliant on conventional microscopy. Molecular genetics has opened new therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients. Likewise, the knowledge of the genetic information should be incorporated in defining the solid tumor types and understanding their biological behavior. This presentation will be a shift from the traditional therapy-specific approach in molecular oncology topics and focus on the role of genetics as a routine ancillary tool for anatomical pathology diagnosis. Successful models of genetic-morphologic integration in the diagnosis of solid tumors (i.e. thyroid, pancreas, biliary tract, soft tissue, brain) will be discussed.
After attending this presentation, participants should be able to:
• Understand the role of molecular profiling in diagnosing solid tumors with challenging morphology.
• Appreciate the evolution of solid tumor classification with the integration of molecular profiling.
• Gain insights from real-world experiences with molecular profiling as an ancillary tool for accurate diagnostics of solid tumors.
Abdullah Alsuwaidan, M.D., King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (cf-tDNA) has transformed the practice of precision medicine in oncology. The talk will explore how advancements in ultra-sensitive sequencing technologies and optimized pre-analytical workflows enable the detection and analysis of cf-tDNA, even at low concentrations. The session will highlight the role of unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) in reducing sequencing errors, discuss the critical implications of molecular heterogeneity, and examine the applications of liquid biopsy in monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), guiding treatment decisions, and detecting resistance mechanisms in real-time.
After attending this presentation, participants should be able to:
• Explain how pre-analytical sample collection, processing, and storage impact the quality and yield of cf-tDNA.
• Describe the role of unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) and specialized sequencing reads in achieving high-confidence variant calling for cf-tDNA applications.
• Highlight the utility of cf-tDNA in identifying molecular heterogeneity and monitoring resistance mechanisms.
• Analyze the potential of plasma cf-tDNA assays in identifying minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients at risk of recurrence post-surgery.
• Explain how liquid biopsy can enable dynamic adjustments to therapy based on the emergence of resistance mechanisms.
The program includes sessions, networking opportunities, industry spotlights and more.
View program
