1
|
Vigliar E, Carillo AM, Nacchio M, Cozzolino D, Acanfora G, Salatiello M, Pisapia P, Malapelle U, Troncone G, Bellevicine C. The evolving role of interventional cytopathology from thyroid FNA to NGS: Lessons learned at Federico II University of Naples. Cytopathology 2024. [PMID: 38979838 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) guided by ultrasound (US) has emerged as a highly precise diagnostic method for managing thyroid nodules, significantly diminishing unnecessary surgeries. The effectiveness of US-guided FNA is high when a single specialist performs the FNA procedure and the microscopy. This paradigm has paved the way for the evolution of interventional cytopathology, a specialist with a pivotal role in the preoperative diagnostic process, encompassing patient history review, clinical examination, FNA execution under US guidance, preparation, and microscopic interpretation of cytological samples. As the landscape of precision medicine unfolds, molecular testing assumes greater importance in thyroid cytopathology, particularly in refining the risk of malignancy for indeterminate nodules. The updated Bethesda classification system underscores the clinical significance of molecular tests, emphasizing their role in refining diagnostic accuracy. With this evolving landscape, interventional cytopathologists must adapt by acquiring expertise in molecular technologies and addressing ongoing challenges in workflow harmonization and optimization. This paper delves into our decade-long experience as interventional cytopathologists, focusing on recent endeavours to ensure adequate samples not only for microscopic diagnosis but also for molecular testing. Additionally, here we review the challenges of integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of integrating clinically meaningful molecular data into comprehensive molecular cytology reports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Carillo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Nacchio
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Acanfora
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Salatiello
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Plekhanov AA, Kozlov DS, Shepeleva AA, Kiseleva EB, Shimolina LE, Druzhkova IN, Plekhanova MA, Karabut MM, Gubarkova EV, Gavrina AI, Krylov DP, Sovetsky AA, Gamayunov SV, Kuznetsova DS, Zaitsev VY, Sirotkina MA, Gladkova ND. Tissue Elasticity as a Diagnostic Marker of Molecular Mutations in Morphologically Heterogeneous Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5337. [PMID: 38791375 PMCID: PMC11120711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of molecular mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a decisive factor in selecting the most effective first-line therapy. However, molecular analysis is routinely performed only in a limited number of patients with remote metastases. We propose to use tissue stiffness as a marker of the presence of molecular mutations in CRC samples. For this purpose, we applied compression optical coherence elastography (C-OCE) to calculate stiffness values in regions corresponding to specific CRC morphological patterns (n = 54). In parallel to estimating stiffness, molecular analysis from the same zones was performed to establish their relationships. As a result, a high correlation between the presence of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF driver mutations and high stiffness values was revealed regardless of CRC morphological pattern type. Further, we proposed threshold stiffness values for label-free targeted detection of molecular alterations in CRC tissues: for KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF driver mutation-above 803 kPa (sensitivity-91%; specificity-80%; diagnostic accuracy-85%), and only for KRAS driver mutation-above 850 kPa (sensitivity-90%; specificity-88%; diagnostic accuracy-89%). To conclude, C-OCE estimation of tissue stiffness can be used as a clinical diagnostic tool for preliminary screening of genetic burden in CRC tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton A. Plekhanov
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Kozlov
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Shepeleva
- Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncologic Hospital, 11/1 Delovaya St., 603126 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Elena B. Kiseleva
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Liubov E. Shimolina
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Irina N. Druzhkova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria A. Plekhanova
- Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncologic Hospital, 11/1 Delovaya St., 603126 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Nizhny Novgorod City Polyclinic #1, 5 Marshala Zhukova Sq., 603107 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria M. Karabut
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V. Gubarkova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alena I. Gavrina
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Dmitry P. Krylov
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alexander A. Sovetsky
- Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 46 Ulyanova St., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Gamayunov
- Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncologic Hospital, 11/1 Delovaya St., 603126 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Daria S. Kuznetsova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Vladimir Y. Zaitsev
- Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 46 Ulyanova St., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Marina A. Sirotkina
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Natalia D. Gladkova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Borowsky AD, Levenson RM, Gown AM, Morningstar T, Fleury TA, Henderson G, Schaberg K, Sybenga AB, Glassy EF, Taylor SL, Fereidouni F. A Pilot Validation Study Comparing Fluorescence-Imitating Brightfield Imaging, A Slide-Free Imaging Method, With Standard Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Hematoxylin-Eosin-Stained Tissue Section Histology for Primary Surgical Pathology Diagnosis. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2024; 148:345-352. [PMID: 37226827 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0432-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Digital pathology using whole slide images has been recently approved to support primary diagnosis in clinical surgical pathology practices. Here we describe a novel imaging method, fluorescence-imitating brightfield imaging, that can capture the surface of fresh tissue without requiring prior fixation, paraffin embedding, tissue sectioning, or staining. OBJECTIVE.— To compare the ability of pathologists to evaluate direct-to-digital images with standard pathology preparations. DESIGN.— One hundred surgical pathology samples were obtained. Samples were first digitally imaged, then processed for standard histologic examination on 4-μm hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections and digitally scanned. The resulting digital images from both digital and standard scan sets were viewed by each of 4 reading pathologists. The data set consisted of 100 reference diagnoses and 800 study pathologist reads. Each study read was compared to the reference diagnosis, and also compared to that reader's diagnosis across both modalities. RESULTS.— The overall agreement rate, across 800 reads, was 97.9%. This consisted of 400 digital reads at 97.0% versus reference and 400 standard reads versus reference at 98.8%. Minor discordances (defined as alternative diagnoses without clinical treatment or outcome implications) were 6.1% overall, 7.2% for digital, and 5.0% for standard. CONCLUSIONS.— Pathologists can provide accurate diagnoses from fluorescence-imitating brightfield imaging slide-free images. Concordance and discordance rates are similar to published rates for comparisons of whole slide imaging to standard light microscopy of glass slides for primary diagnosis. It may be possible, therefore, to develop a slide-free, nondestructive approach for primary pathology diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Borowsky
- From the Departments of Pathology (Borowsky, Levenson, Morningstar, Schaberg, Fereidouni)
| | - Richard M Levenson
- From the Departments of Pathology (Borowsky, Levenson, Morningstar, Schaberg, Fereidouni)
| | - Allen M Gown
- Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Gown)
| | - Taryn Morningstar
- From the Departments of Pathology (Borowsky, Levenson, Morningstar, Schaberg, Fereidouni)
| | - Thomas A Fleury
- Johns Hopkins Medicine-Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC (Fleury)
| | | | - Kurt Schaberg
- From the Departments of Pathology (Borowsky, Levenson, Morningstar, Schaberg, Fereidouni)
| | - Amelia B Sybenga
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington (Sybenga)
| | - Eric F Glassy
- The Affiliated Pathologists Medical Group Inc, Rancho Dominguez, California (Glassy)
| | - Sandra L Taylor
- Biostatistics (Taylor), University of California Davis Health, Sacramento
| | - Farzad Fereidouni
- From the Departments of Pathology (Borowsky, Levenson, Morningstar, Schaberg, Fereidouni)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tozbikian G, Krishnamurthy S, Bui MM, Feldman M, Hicks DG, Jaffer S, Khoury T, Wei S, Wen H, Pohlmann P. Emerging Landscape of Targeted Therapy of Breast Cancers With Low Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Protein Expression. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2024; 148:242-255. [PMID: 37014972 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0335-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in breast cancer is currently classified as negative or positive for selecting patients for anti-HER2 targeted therapy. The evolution of the HER2 status has included a new HER2-low category defined as an HER2 immunohistochemistry score of 1+ or 2+ without gene amplification. This new category opens the door to a targetable HER2-low breast cancer population for which new treatments may be effective. OBJECTIVE.— To review the current literature on the emerging category of breast cancers with low HER2 protein expression, including the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular features, and outline the clinical trials and best practice recommendations for identifying HER2-low-expressing breast cancers by immunohistochemistry. DATA SOURCES.— We conducted a literature review based on peer-reviewed original articles, review articles, regulatory communications, ongoing and past clinical trials identified through ClinicalTrials.gov, and the authors' practice experience. CONCLUSIONS.— The availability of new targeted therapy potentially effective for patients with breast cancers with low HER2 protein expression requires multidisciplinary recognition. In particular, pathologists need to recognize and identify this category to allow the optimal selection of patients for targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tozbikian
- From the Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus (Tozbikian)
| | - Savitri Krishnamurthy
- the Department of Pathology (Krishnamurthy), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Marilyn M Bui
- the Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida (Bui)
| | - Michael Feldman
- the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Feldman)
| | - David G Hicks
- the Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York (Hicks)
| | - Shabnam Jaffer
- the Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York (Jaffer)
| | - Thaer Khoury
- the Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York (Khoury)
| | - Shi Wei
- the Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center; Kansas City (Wei)
| | - Hannah Wen
- the Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; New York, New York (Wen)
| | - Paula Pohlmann
- the Department of Breast Medical Oncology (Pohlmann), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weissinger SE, Georgantas NZ, Thierauf JC, Pellerin R, Gardecki E, Kühlinger S, Ritterhouse LL, Möller P, Lennerz JK. Slide-to-Slide Tissue Transfer and Array Assembly From Limited Samples for Comprehensive Molecular Profiling. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100062. [PMID: 36801639 PMCID: PMC10198954 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue microarrays (TMA) have become an important tool in high-throughput molecular profiling of tissue samples in the translational research setting. Unfortunately, high-throughput profiling in small biopsy specimens or rare tumor samples (eg, orphan diseases or unusual tumors) is often precluded owing to limited amounts of tissue. To overcome these challenges, we devised a method that allows tissue transfer and construction of TMAs from individual 2- to 5-μm sections for subsequent molecular profiling. We named the technique slide-to-slide (STS) transfer, and it requires a series of chemical exposures (so-called xylene-methacrylate exchange) in combination with rehydrated lifting, microdissection of donor tissues into multiple small tissue fragments (methacrylate-tissue tiles), and subsequent remounting on separate recipient slides (STS array slide). We developed the STS technique by assessing the efficacy and analytical performance using the following key metrics: (a) dropout rate, (b) transfer efficacy, (c) success rates using different antigen-retrieval methods, (d) success rates of immunohistochemical stains, (e) fluorescent in situ hybridization success rates, and (f) DNA and (g) RNA extraction yields from single slides, which all functioned appropriately. The dropout rate ranged from 0.7% to 6.2%; however, we applied the same STS technique successfully to fill these dropouts ("rescue" transfer). Hematoxylin and eosin assessment of donor slides confirmed a transfer efficacy of >93%, depending on the size of the tissue (range, 76%-100%). Fluorescent in situ hybridization success rates and nucleic acid yields were comparable with those of traditional workflows. In this study, we present a quick, reliable, and cost-effective method that offers the key advantages of TMAs and other molecular techniques-even when tissue is sparse. The perspectives of this technology in biomedical sciences and clinical practice are promising, given that it allows laboratories to create more data with less tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Weissinger
- Institute of Pathology, Alb Fils Clinics GmbH, Göppingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - N Zeke Georgantas
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julia C Thierauf
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca Pellerin
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emma Gardecki
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lauren L Ritterhouse
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jochen K Lennerz
- Center for Integrated Diagnostics, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kanesvaran R, Chia PL, Chiong E, Chua MLK, Ngo NT, Ow S, Sim HG, Tan MH, Tay KH, Wong ASC, Wong SW, Tan PH. An approach to genetic testing in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Singapore. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:135-148. [PMID: 38904491 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2022372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction There has been a rapid evolution in the treatment strategies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following the identification of targetable mutations, making genetic testing essential for patient selection. Although several international guidelines recommend genetic testing for patients with mCRPC, there is a lack of locally endorsed clinical practice guidelines in Singapore. Method A multidisciplinary specialist panel with representation from medical and radiation oncology, urology, pathology, interventional radiology, and medical genetics discussed the challenges associated with patient selection, genetic counselling and sample processing in mCRPC. Results A clinical model for incorporating genetic testing into routine clinical practice in Singapore was formulated. Tumour testing with an assay that is able to detect both somatic and germline mutations should be utilised. The panel also recommended the "mainstreaming" approach for genetic counselling in which pre-test counselling is conducted by the managing clinician and post-test discussion with a genetic counsellor, to alleviate the bottlenecks at genetic counselling stage in Singapore. The need for training of clinicians to provide pre-test genetic counselling and educating the laboratory personnel for appropriate sample processing that facilitates downstream genetic testing was recognised. Molecular tumour boards and multidisciplinary discussions are recommended to guide therapeutic decisions in mCRPC. The panel also highlighted the issue of reimbursement for genetic testing to reduce patient-borne costs and increase the reach of genetic testing among this patient population. Conclusion This article aims to provide strategic and implementable recommendations to overcome the challenges in genetic testing for patients with mCRPC in Singapore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Puey Ling Chia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Edmund Chiong
- Department of Urology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Nye Thane Ngo
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Samuel Ow
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Hong Gee Sim
- Ravenna Urology Clinic, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore
| | | | - Kiang Hiong Tay
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiation, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | | | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gobbi H, Carvalho FM, Rahal RMS, Klôh MI, Pitol DL. Optimizing pathological assessment of breast cancer in Brazil: recommendations from a multidisciplinary working group on the tumor-tissue journey. SURGICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s42047-022-00121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTimely and correct assessment of histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of biopsy and surgical specimens is of paramount importance in the provision of care to patients with breast cancer, particularly in the current era of precision oncology. In order to ensure that tissue samples are obtained, processed, analyzed and reported in an optimal way, a concerted effort is required by institutions and individuals, taking into account state-of-the-art scientific and technical knowledge and circumventing logistic and operational constraints. This may be particularly challenging in some settings due to several sources of economic, structural, organizational and communication inefficiencies. In the current article, we present a brief review of breast cancer epidemiology and challenges in the disease diagnosis, especially in Brazil, and report the results of a multidisciplinary working group convened in May 2020 in an expert panel to identify and discuss the barriers and challenges related to the journey of breast cancer samples in Brazil. Following the identification of the issues, the working group also discussed and proposed recommendations for improving the journey and quality of breast cancer samples based on their professional experience and the current scientific literature, including guidelines of national and international health organizations (e.g. World Health Organization), consensus of medical societies and other published literature on the topic. We outline the most salient issues related to that journey in Brazilian public and private medical institutions, based on the experts’ clinical experience, since all of them are actively working at both sectors, and discuss current recommendations to address these issues aiming at mitigating and preventing preanalytical and analytical issues affecting diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Such issues are grouped under four headings pertaining to education, communication, procedures in the operating room and sample transportation, and procedures in the pathology laboratory. Selected recommendations based on the current literature and discussed by the group of Brazilian experts are reviewed, which may mitigate the issues identified and optimize diagnostic and therapeutic decisions for patients with breast cancer, currently the most frequent malignant tumor worldwide and in Brazil. This paper has been submitted and published jointly, upon invitation and consent, in both the Surgical and Experimental Pathology and the Mastology journals.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shetty O, Shet T, Iyer R, Gogte P, Gurav M, Joshi P, Karnik N, Pai T, Epari S, Desai S. Impact of COVID-19 on quality checks of solid tumor molecular diagnostic testing-A surveillance by EQAS provider in India. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274089. [PMID: 36137153 PMCID: PMC9498956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular tests in solid tumours for targeted therapies call for the need to ensure precision testing. To accomplish this participation in the External Quality Assessment Program (EQAS) is required. This evaluates the consistency of diagnostic testing procedures and offers guidance for improving quality. Outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic led to worldwide lockdown and disruption of healthcare services including participation in EQAS.The present study describes the extended scope of EQAS offered byMPQAP (Molecular Pathology Quality Assurance Program), the first proficiency test provider for solid tumor diagnostics in India. The study surveys the preparedness of molecular testing laboratories in routine diagnostics and participation for quality assessment scheme. METHODS A documented guideline for measures and precautions to be carried by testing laboratories in performing routine diagnostic tests during the lockdown period were charted and distributed to all MPQAP participant centres. A survey was conducted for MPQAP participants to check whether laboratories were involved in COVID-19 testing and to evaluate the impact of lockdown on the operations of diagnostics procedures. From the acquired response of the survey, 2 cycles out of initially proposed 11 cycles were executed with transformed approach using digital tools and image interpretation modules. FINDINGS Out of 25 solid tumour testing laboratories registered as participants, 15 consented to participate in survey. The summary of survey conveyed the impact of COVID-19onroutine operations of diagnostics tests such as shortcomings in inventory and human resource management. Thirteen participants showed active willingness and consented to participate in EQAS test scheme. INTERPRETATIONS The survey findings and assessment of EQAS cycles endorsed the quality testing procedures carried by participating laboratories throughout the lockdown. It highlighted the utility of EQAS participation during pandemic along with emphasis on safety measures for continual improvement in quality of diagnostic services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omshree Shetty
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Tanuja Shet
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Ramya Iyer
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Prachi Gogte
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Mamta Gurav
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Pradnya Joshi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Nupur Karnik
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Trupti Pai
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sridhar Epari
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sangeeta Desai
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|