Overcoming Common Barriers Around the Application of Immuno-Oncology in Community Settings

Course overview

Due to the growing complexity of immuno-oncology (IO) biomarker testing and interpretation, the role of pathologists and laboratory professionals is becoming more central to safe and effective delivery of precision medicine in cancer care. Their unique perspective on disease processes and access to tissue specimens allow pathologists to guide cancer clinicians who are developing treatment plans and monitoring response to IO therapies. This live 1.5-hour CME multidisciplinary panel discussion will feature interactive problem-based learning with a focus on common barriers to implementing and delivering IO in community pathology settings, including a practical discussion around overcoming some of those barriers. Some areas identified as needing pathology leadership and support are evidence-based QI planning for disease-specific IO procedures and developing consistent protocols and workflows related to cancer diagnosis and the use of IO treatments. Goals of the panel discussion are: to empower community laboratory teams to play a greater role in institutional IO policies/protocols within community cancer centers; promote pathologists and laboratory professionals as active members of the multidisciplinary and interprofessional IO cancer care team; and disseminate best practices and lessons learned among the broader IO multidisciplinary patient care team. Learning Objectives: • Outline pathology-driven processes that can improve the use of appropriate IO diagnostics and therapies based around the latest clinical evidence • Discuss ways that pathologists can actively engage members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team around the selection and use of IO therapies in community settings • Describe how to strengthen pathology leadership on multidisciplinary teams as they guide their institution around complex and evolving IO trends Faculty: Joseph Kim, MD, MPH, MBA – Moderator Q-Synthesis, LLC Langhorne, PA Mamatha Chivukula, MD, FASCP Director, Immunohistochemistry Sutter Health San Francisco, CA Stuti G. Shroff, MD, PhD Assistant Pathologist, Anatomic Pathology Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA Lisa Haley, MS, MB (ASCP)CM Laboratory Specialist – Assay Development Johns Hopkins Pathology Baltimore, MD The American Society for Clinical Pathology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation Statement The ASCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. These activities also meet MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Module (SAMs CME) requirements. ASCP designates these enduring materials for a maximum of 1.5 CMLE credit. These activities meet CMP and state re-licensure requirements for laboratory personnel. For questions regarding CME credit, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 1-800-267-2727, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Method of Participation To complete the activity and receive credit, the participant must complete the online course. CME certificates will be provided on-line. Funded by an independent educational grant from Pfizer/Merck KGaA