ASCP and Genentech have partnered to develop education and resources for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biomarker testing processes. The goal of this initiative is to ensure anatomic pathology laboratory managers and their teams have access to the latest knowledge and best practices for ensuring continuous quality improvement in biomarker testing.
To meet this need, ASCP recently launched an interactive video conference, in addition to an online resource hub and a Facebook group.
“We are excited to provide education and best practices to AP laboratory managers and their teams, and for the opportunity to build a community of knowledge and support,” said NSCLC Steering Committee member Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT(ASCP), Laboratory Operations Manager, Regions Hospital – HealthPartners. Suboptimal specimen collection and non-standard test ordering practices can delay treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
“One of the challenges with NSCLC biomarker testing is that knowledge is continually changing,” she added. “There is a real need to bring people together to share their experiences and best practices so we can learn from each other.”
In November, the initiative’s first videoconference in the series, “Standardizing Protocols for Optimal Procurement, Fixation, and Tissue/Cytology Specimen Handling for NSCLC,” provided rich discussion and engaging education on best practices in NSCLC biomarker testing protocols. In addition, participants shared their success stories and relevant real-world scientific and implementation challenges from their institutions.
ASCP has created an
online resource hub that provides best practices from experts in the laboratory community, as well as links to guidelines and additional resources, and an action plan to help users improve their own NSCLC biomarker processes. It has also launched a
Facebook group, led by Dr. Sanjay Muhopadhyay, of the Cleveland Clinic, to build community and collaboration. An online virtual summit on NSCLC biomarker testing will also be offered in mid-2022.
“The initiative pioneered by ASCP and Genentech will provide engaging opportunities for AP teams to create a community with solution-minded colleagues across unique laboratory settings. Through collaborative interactions, the goal of elevating patient outcomes will be realized through real-life quality improvement successes in the space of NSCLC biomarker workflows,” said Amy Spiczka, MS, SCT, HTL, MB(ASCP)CM, ASCP Senior Director, Quality and Patient Safety.
Look for details on ASCP’s lung cancer page:
ascp.org/content/learning/lung-cancer.
