Course Description

This online course has been created for the SITC PATHdata Project, an effort aiming to harmonize pathologic response assessment for standardized data collection and reporting for patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy. The modules provide an overview of the current tumor scoring methods, the benefits of having a universal scoring system across tumor types and disease states, and describe how to score pathologic response using a pan-tumor approach. There is a specific focus on recognizing the histologic features found in the regression bed of the tumor and on performing the final calculation of the % residual viable tumor. 

Module 1 - Introduction and Background

The first course serves as an introduction to the PATHdata project by providing a rationale for a pan-tumor scoring system for assessing % residual viable tumor (%RVT) after neoadjuvant therapy. The module includes an overview of the development of the pan-tumor scoring system and provides the framework for assessing %RVT in the primary tumor, lymph node, and in on-treatment biopsies, the latter of which has particular relevance in the context of metastatic disease. Lastly, the module reviews the evidence which demonstrates that pathologic response is associated with patient survival.  

Module 2 - Scoring Tutorial

The second course serves as a guide for recognizing the features of residual viable tumor, necrosis, and regression, and provides examples of how these components are combined to calculate %RVT. 

A link is also provided for a digital repository of additional examples of slide scans with annotated regions of tumor, necrosis, and regression: https://digital.pathology.johnshopkins.edu/imageSets/8851 

Module 3 - Grossing Video

The third module shows how a sample specimen from a patient treated with neoadjuvant therapy should be processed in the pathology lab.  

Target Audience

This activity is intended for pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, laboratory personnel, clinical trialists, and other interested parties who are engaged in routine clinical care and/or clinical trials which involve patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy.  

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to: 

• Identify the current variations of tumor scoring as well as the challenges of having multiple scoring methods. 
• Describe the concept of a universal, pan-tumor scoring system, as well as the benefits of having one system. 
• Describe various characteristics of features seen in a regression bed. 
• Explain how to assess the % residual viable tumor (%RVT). 

Faculty

Janis Taube, MD, MSc

Director, Division of Dermatopathology

Professor of Dermatology

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Hardware and Software Requirements

SITC online courses require a modern web browser (Internet Explorer 7+, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome) and the ability to listen to audio with the content. 

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use

This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The planners of this activity do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications.  The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the planners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer

Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications and/or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.