Precision Medicine in Practice: Addressing Conflicting Biomarker Results

We will explore various testing methods—including immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS)—and their limitations, providing practical insights for diagnosis and treatment decisions. The session will also incorporate the role of liquid biopsy in monitoring treatment and detecting molecular residual disease (MRD).

Objectives

• Understand the roles and limitations of key biomarker testing methods, including IHC, flow cytometry, FISH, PCR, and NGS.
• Learn strategies to address discrepancies when different biomarker tests provide conflicting results.
• Review clinical case studies illustrating how varying biomarker outcomes influence diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
• Examine the utility of liquid biopsy for treatment monitoring and MRD detection in precision oncology.

Presenter

Jessica S. Thomas, MD, PhD, MPH, FCAP, FASCP