The module will focuses on diagnosis of cancer with an emphasis on molecular testing and the role of histopathology in the stratification of cancer patients. It will compare and contrast traditional histopathological evaluation with molecular testing as prognostic and predictive markers. The module will also highlight new technologies, especially in Next Generation Sequencing, and will consider how these are already impacting on routine diagnostic histopathology.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Explain the main morphological characteristics of neoplasia and discuss how these contribute to the identification and classification of cancer
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of pathological investigations in cancer therapy and prognostication
Critically discuss the value of newer approaches (microarrays/ proteomics/ genetics) to cancer diagnosis and classification
Critically discuss the value and validity of traditional pathological investigations and newer approaches for specific tumour types.
Demonstrate an understanding of the stages of the disease, its pathological presentation and potential outcome for a range of cancers such as hepatobilirary, urological, gynaecological, breast and lung.
Assessment
1.5 h Examination consisting of MCQ questions (50% of module mark)
Students should produce a poster critically evaluating the value and validity of traditional pathological investigations versus molecular testing in a named cancer. Marks will be given for presentation of the poster (e.g. visual impact, defence) as well as accuracy of and quality of the analysis (50% of the module mark).
Students must attempt both components
Reassessment
If a student fails (with less than 40%) one component of the assessment, they will be required to repeat the failed component. If a student fails the module (less than 50%) they will be required to re-sit one or both components, as deemed appropriate based on the component marks.
Students failing the Poster will be required to re-write it based in the feedback provided.
Failure to submit/ attend a component will mean that the student has failed that component and will be required to re-sit it.
