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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
11:00 am Registration
11:00 PLENARY KEYNOTE DISCUSSION
Perspectives on Evaluating Novel Diagnostics for Reimbursement
Moderator: Andrew C. Fish, Executive Director, AdvaMedDx
- Levels of evidence needed to support novel diagnostics
- Health economics
- Analytical issues
- CMS policy
- Rate schedule
Panelists:
Aaron D. Bossler, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor, Director Molecular Pathology Laboratory and Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Co-Chair, AMP Economic Affairs Committee
Dwight Denham, MBA, Director, Clinical Research, Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Elaine K. Jeter, M.D., J1 MolDx Medical Director, Palmetto GBA
Lee H. Newcomer, M.D., Senior Vice President, Oncology, United Healthcare
12:30 pm Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
1:50 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
2:00 Advancing Personalized Medicine: Next-Generation Sequencing on Circulating Tumor Cells
Jeffrey S. Ross, M.D., Medical Director, Foundation Medicine; Cyrus Strong Merrill Professor and Chair, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College
In patients with metastatic cancer, biopsy to identify genomic alterations that predict sensitivity to targeted therapeutics is not always possible. In such patients, CTCs represent a potential source of material for genomic profiling, but assaying large numbers of cancer-related genes in CTCs is challenging. We have optimized our comprehensive genomic profiling assay to robustly profile CTCs to identify actionable genomic alterations and guide therapy.
2:30 Genome-Wide Analysis of CTCs from Breast and Prostate Cancer
James Hicks, Ph.D., Research Professor, Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Single nucleus sequencing (SNS) enables genomic profiling of individual cancer cells, providing information on tumor initiation, evolution and genetic heterogeneity. The method also permits the analysis of rare cancer cells isolated from the bloodstream and other fluids. We will describe progress in using ‘fluid biopsies’ to monitor cancer treatment and direct therapy in prostate and other cancers.
3:00 Profiling Melanoma CTCs to Therapeutically Target Those Forming Metastases
Gavin P. Robertson, Ph.D., Professor, Pharmacology, Pathology, Dermatology and Surgery, Penn State University; Director, Penn State Melanoma Center, Penn State Melanoma Therapeutics Program, and Foreman Foundation Melanoma Research Laboratory
Molecular profiling of CTCs can be accomplished, but identifying those genes functionally relevant to CTC behavior is a challenge. This talk describes the isolation of melanoma CTC followed by expression profiling to identify key targets regulating metastatic behavior. Finally, the role of a protein in the metastatic process is demonstrated through use of novel animal and cell culture-based systems.
3:30 Molecular Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells for Oncology Diagnostics Using the IsoFlux System
Cristian Ionescu-Zanetti, Ph.D., CTO, Fluxion Biosciences
3:45 Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
4:00 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
4:30 Molecular Characterization of CTCs: A Road to Improved Understanding of Metastatic Process
Denis Smirnov, Ph.D., Associate Scientific Director, Oncology Biomarkers, Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells offers an opportunity to elucidate metastatic process. That opportunity is often limited by technical challenges associated with analysis of rare cells. Insights gained by CellSearch research team will be shared during this presentation.
5:00 Molecular Characterization Including DNA and RNA FISH of CTCs and Cancer Associated Cells
Jeffrey Chalmers, Ph.D., Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio State University
Using a negative enrichment methodology, which removes RBCs and high expressing CD45 cells, we have demonstrated a significant heterogeneity in the type of cells present in blood of cancer patients. In addition to antibodies bound to flouroprobes, we are also using DNA FISH and RNA FISH technology to demonstrate this heterogeneity. We will summarize some these findings from squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
5:30 The Identification and Characterization of Breast Cancer CTCs Competent for Brain Metastasis
Dario Marchetti, Ph.D., Professor, Pathology & Immunology and Molecular & Cellular Biology; Director, CTC Core Facility, Baylor College of Medicine
Mechanisms implicating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in fatal breast cancer brain metastasis remain elusive. We characterized CTCs isolated from blood mononuclear cells of breast cancer patients, and developed CTC lines. EpCAM-negative CTCs express markers needed to promote brain metastasis. First-time evidence characterizing breast cancer CTCs, leading to the description of a protein signature suggestive of metastatic competency to the brain will be presented.
6:00 Dinner Short Course Registration
6:30-8:30 pm Dinner Short Courses*
*Separate registration required
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