Practical Oncologic Molecular Pathology

This book is a review and high-yield reference on the clinical molecular diagnostics of malignant neoplasms. It aims to address the practical questions frequently encountered in the molecular oncology practice, as well as key points and pitfalls in the clinical interpretation of molecular tests in guiding precision cancer management. The text uses a Q&A format and case presentations, with emphasis on understanding the molecular test methods, diagnosis, classification, risk assessment and clinical correlation. Starting with an update on the molecular biology of cancer, the book focuses on the topics related to molecular diagnostics and genetics-based precision oncology. Separate chapters are dedicated to discussion of the bioinformatics for the analysis of genetic/genomic data generated from molecular assays, and quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA) programs in the clinical laboratories; both are critical in producing high quality results for clinical care of cancer patients. These are followed by organ system-based reviews and discussions on the molecular genetic abnormalities and related tests covering diverse types of common to rare malignant neoplasms. This book also provides up-to-date knowledge related to malignant neoplasms, discusses the established as well as evolving requirements for pathologic diagnosis of these malignancies. It also discusses the cost effective utilization of molecular tests in clinical oncology.