Conference Schedule

Day1: October 8, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Professor Mahmoud Khalifa obtained his Medical Degree from Cairo, Egypt where he subsequently received his Master's Degree and PhD in Pathology.  He trained in pathology at the Universities of Oklahoma, George Washington and Georgetown as well as the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC.  He is certified by the American Board of Pathology and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  He held several laboratory medicine leadership positions in distinguished North American Universities.  He is currently the Medical Director of Anatomic Pathology at the University of Minnesota.  Dr. Khalifa’s professional career focuses on Gynecologic Pathology and patient safety.

Abstract

With the introduction of new Cancer treatment modalities, pathologists are constantly challenged to make clinically actionable diagnoses that will guide modern therapeutics. Gynecologic oncology is one area where even minor variations in the pathologic diagnosis could significantly impact the way a clinician may tailor their plan. Neoadjuvant therapy, two-step-surgical staging, and adjuvant radiation therapy are only few examples of what could be offered to patients depending on the clinicians' understanding of the subtle language in the pathology report.  This talk will draw attention of practicing pathologists to problematic clinical scenarios that may not be immediately evident in the specimens they encounter on daily basis.  In these scenarios, the clinicians may be looking for trigger features that they perceive as crucial for their planning.  Defining the clinical relevance of these issues is key to keeping the Pathologists engaged as active members of the multidisciplinary management team.  Real-life examples will be presented with in-depth discussions of not only the differential diagnoses, but also the clinical relevance of each of the possible diagnoses. Attendants will be able to recognize how the slight change of diagnosis, wording or even describing the salient features of their diagnoses may result in different management course.  The talk will also explore tools that can help address these issues and ensure the highest patient safety.  It will stimulate the discussion around considering even further solutions.

Biography

Paul Seegers completed his education in Pathology and Cytology in 1985 at the Dr. Struycken Insitute in Etten-Leur and University of Applied Sciences Leiden in The Netherlands. Worked more 25 years in different pathology laboratories as Head of the department of Cytology and as Head IT & Quality Assurance department. Since 2011 as advisor and (inter)national expert on Synoptic Reporting at PALGA Foundation. Is a member of the committee of the Dutch Pathology Society for population screening. And co-author of the multidisciplinary guideline “Cervical Cytology”.

Abstract

The detail and accuracy of pathological reporting is becoming increasingly recognised as important with the introduction of Synoptic Reporting (SR). In the Netherlands we started with the development of SR for ColoRectum cancer and for Breast cancer late 2008, based on multidisciplinary guidelines, WHO Classifications and later in 2011 based on the minimal datasets of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting. PALGA Foundation develops, distributes nationwide and maintains all the national Pathology Protocols for Histology, Cytology and Molecular Testing, in total 27. All the pathology laboratories in the Netherlands are connected through the PALGA network, this makes distribution and maintaining on a daily bases possible.

In 2012 PALGA developed a complete new framework for the use of SR in daily practice PALGA Protocol Module (PPM), this because already 20-25% daily workload of a pathologist is done with Synoptic Reporting. With the PPM is possible to combine different protocols in one pathology report, for example a Lung resection protocol combined with the Molecular Testing protocol,  so the clinician will receive one complete pathology report.

Through the accuracy of data elements of SR, the results are very suitable for different registries. In the Netherlands we have direct connection with the National Cancer Registry, the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing for quality controls and with the National Institute for Public Health and the Enviroment for population screening on colon cancer and Cervical cancer. Through interoperability the pathology data are directly filling these registries without intervention of data managers, this saves time and registration burden.  

Biography

Dr. Liang Cheng is the inaugural Virgil H. Moon Endowed Professor of Pathology and Urology at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Currently, he is the Director of Molecular Diagnostics and Molecular Pathology Laboratories, Chief of the Genitourinary Pathology Service, Director of the Urologic Pathology Fellowship. Dr. Cheng is board certified in Molecular Genetic Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Dr. Cheng has received numerous prestigious awards including the Stowell-Orbison Award from the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) and the Koss Medal Award from the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP). Dr. Cheng received the Arthur Purdy Stout Prize from the Arthur Purdy Stout Society of Surgical Pathologists in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of surgical pathology for a surgical pathologist less than 45 years old. Dr. Cheng has published over 850 peer-reviewed SCI articles in high-impact scientific journals. His published work has been cited more than 36,000 times (ISI Web of Science h-index: 98). He is also the author of over 100 book chapters and several books, including Molecular Genetic Pathology, Molecular Surgical Pathology, Bladder Pathology, Urologic Surgical Pathology, and Essentials of Anatomic Pathology. Currently, he is an active member of over 30 Editorial Boards, including Molecular Cancer (Associate Editor), Human Pathology (Senior Associate Editor), American Journal of Surgical Pathology, Modern Pathology, Histopathology, Journal of Pathology, Journal of Clinical Pathology, European Journal of Cancer, Pathology, Future Oncology, Urologic Oncology, Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, and others. He is Editor-in-Chief of Expert Review of Precision Medicine and Drug Development. Cheng's research focuses on translational studies of genitourinary cancers and molecular diagnostics of solid tumors.

Abstract

Significant progress has been made in characterizing the genomic landscape of human cancers, directly translating these approaches into clinical practice. With treatments increasingly targeted towards specific genetic anomalies in individual Tumors, next generation sequencing (NGS) technology is becoming a mainstay of the Cancer Diagnostics laboratory, providing therapeutic options for an individual patient. Multiple clinical diagnostic assays are now being routinely performed on a variety of NGS platforms, spanning from single gene or multi-gene targeted sequencing to whole genome sequencing. Furthermore, identification of tumor-specific antigens through whole-exome sequencing has facilitated a revolution in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this presentation, we will discuss recent progress and clinical application of genomic characterization of clinical specimens, including blood and urine samples (liquid biopsies). We will also discuss the genomic and protein biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition.

Tracks

  • Autopsy Pathology
  • Cancer Cytopathology
  • Histopathology
  • Pediatric Pathology
  • Breast Pathology
  • Pathology
Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Anna Dunnigan studied pre-clinical medicine at the University of Cambridge, and clinical medicine at the University of Oxford. She is originally from London, and now works as a foundation doctor at Milton Keynes University Hospital, which is part of the Oxford Deanery. As well as her interests in Pathology, Anna has a strong interest in education, and is currently studying for a long-distance degree in Medical Education with the University of Dundee. She is also very interested in patient safety and has undertaken numerous quality improvement projects in this area, presented at both regional and national level.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is the 5th largest risk factor impacting on global mortality and its incidence is rising. Contribution of obesity to death rates is only measurable if included on death certificates. Obesity causes deaths directly e.g. obesity cardiomyopathy (OCM), and indirectly as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and other conditions. In this study, we investigate the reporting of obesity and its inclusion in death certificates in a single centre coronial autopsy service.

Methods: Retrospective review of Autopsy reports in the Oxford Pathology database across a 3-year period (2014-16). Autopsy reports were reviewed for height, weight & BMI, prevalence of obesity & obesity-specific conditions, all-cause mortality, CHD-related mortality, and mean age of death from CHD in different BMI categories.

Results & Discussion: Height and weight were omitted without adequate reason in 14% of reports analysed (n= 1,514). Obesity is poorly recognised on death certificates where present (just 5.1% overall). Identification of OCM in the morbidly obese is rising; 6.6% compared to 2.0% in the previous largest study to date. A total of 739 (40%, n= 1,868) autopsies were carried out on obese individuals. Obesity/obesity-specific pathology were included in death certificates in 0.2% of obese (BMI 30-35), 7.4% of severely obese (BMI 35-40) and 25.7% of morbidly obese (BMI >40) individuals. CHD accounted for 26.4% of deaths in morbidly obese individuals, and 20.7% of deaths in those of ideal BMI. Strikingly, morbidly obese individuals died from CHD on average 9 years earlier (mean age of death 68 years) compared to those of ideal BMI, mean age of death 77 years (p= 0.000004, 95% CI 5-13); this effect was not accounted for by concurrent presence of diabetes or hypertension.

Conclusions: This study links obesity to earlier death from CHD and indicates that obesity is under-recorded on death certificates by Pathologists. 

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

American veterinary surgeon Dr Rand Wilson has joined leading veterinary diagnostic laboratory Finn Pathologists in the newly created role of Head of Clinical Pathology. 

Dr Wilson received a BSc in Wildlife Biology in 1984 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 from Colorado State University.  He spent the next 20 years practising small animal, exotic and avian medicine and surgery and undertaking PhD studies in clinical pathology and infectious disease.  He became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2008 and achieved Board Certification in Clinical Pathology in 2008 from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Arriving in the UK in 2008, he gained experience in the veterinary labs sector before taking up his new role at Finn Pathologists, one of the UK’s leading veterinary diagnostics laboratories, in Harleston, Norfolk.

Abstract

For this 6-month period of 2012, a regional diagnostic laboratory in Chicago, Illinois received 31 separate hematology sample submissions from bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) sent in from several public and private reptile collections and veterinary practices.  Of these samples, there were 5 that exhibited moderate to marked circulating lymphocytosis on the complete blood count and differential.  This indicates a presumed incidence of 16% of all hematology submissions in this reptile species over this period. This was of concern for a potential over-representation of lymphocytosis in this species, and possibly an underlying alternative etiopathogenesis in addition to spontaneous neoplastic transformation.  2 of these 5 individuals were determined to be most likely lymphoid leukemias and 3 were likely transient reactive lymphocytic responses to non-neoplastic unidentified conditions based upon progression or lack thereof.  Other criterion considered was a worsening clinical course, minimal response to therapy, or euthanasia due to disease complications.  In addition, 2 cases had follow up CBC’s and one principle case was followed closely and monitored with serial hematology examinations, as well as other ancillary tests to attempt to characterize the lymphoid population in this animal.  A sequence of DNA was found from this animal’s blood which was similar in arrangement and character to the sequence for Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) and the genone identified for Bovine Leukemia virus (BLV) as well.  This sequence could not be verified due to the lack of a normal genomic sequence for Pogona vitticep established or identified for this species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Mark Stenglein and the DeRisi Laboratory for their work on this; and to the staff at the Idexx laboratory in Elmhurst, IL for their assistance; and to Dr Sue Horton at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital in Skokie, IL for the blood submissions and for her assistance.

Table 1: 5 cases of moderate to marked lymphocytosis in bearded dragons

 

Date of sampling

Animal data

Lympho-cyte count / ul

Cell morphology / additional finding

Tentative diagnosis

Outcome

Case 1

March 10, 2013

5 year old female

20,064

Marked toxic heterophilia, and sepsis evident. Increased lysed cells and count may have been higher

Secondary reactive lymphocytosis related to infection and sepsis

Animal died a short time later

 

 

 

Case 2

May 7, 2012

11 month old, sex unknown

15,480

A few reactive forms

Unknown -possibly transient reactive lymphocytosis

No further submission from this animal.

Case 3

April 23, 2012

2 year old, sex unknown

24,112

Cells appeared small/intermediate and somewhat reactive (larger, darker basophilic cytoplasm with open coarse chromatin, and sometimes indented nuclear forms).

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 19, 2012

 

32,419

Progressively increasing lymphocytosis –and similar morphology.                      

Potential chronic lymphocytic leukemia

(CLL)

Lost to follow up.

Case 4

July 16, 2012

4 year old, female

13,968

 

Unknown -possibly transient reactive lymphocytosis

No follow up submissions.

Case 5

September 7, 2012

6.5 year old, sex unknown; the animal appeared to have minimal clinical signs or illness

117,888

50-60% of the lymphoid cells were large lymphoblasts.  Concurrent heteropenia. No anemia or thrombocytopenia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

(ALL)

 

 

September 21, 2012

 

184,230

Developing anemia – non-regenerative with continued heteropenia and thrombocytopenia now seen as well. Similar lymphocyte morphology.

 

 

 

October 01, 2012

 

457,920

Progressive anemia – non-regenerative with similar lymphocyte morphology evident.

 

 

 

October 17, 2012

 

244,880

Stabilizing anemia – non-regenerative with similar lymphocyte morphology; although many lysed, fragmented and apoptotic remnant cells present. Note: Likely another 100,000 cells could be added to the lymphocyte count if these were countable.

 

 

 

November 05, 2012

 

672,980

Likely another 28,336 cells could be added to the lymphocyte count however these were unclassified cells based on severe pleomorphism. Persistent non-regenerative anemia.

Persistent fulminating ALL

Clinical condition had worsened significantly with anorexia and severe progressive ataxia. Elected euthanasia on November 6, 2012

 

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Dr Leon P. Bignold is a Histopathologist interested in genomic mechanisms of the histopathology and related features of tumors. He has published 18 papers, edited one volume (Cancer: Cell Structures, Carcinogens and Genomic Instability, Birkhäuser, 2006) and written two books (“David Paul Hansemann: Contributions to Oncology”, Birkhäuser, 2008; “Principles of Tumors: a Translational Approach to Foundations”, Elsevier 2015) in this area.

Abstract

Tumours exhibit complex combinations of traits, in association with mutations in the genomes of their lineage-committed “parent” cells. Large numbers of mutations occur in tumours, but the precise ‘driver’ mutations for each tumour type remain unclear (1). Some genome studies have documented some tumour-type specific patterns of mutation in protein-coding genes (2). However, most of these mutations appear to be ‘passenger’ / secondary genomic events. For tumour molecular pathology, almost all genomic studies have been of protein-coding genes affecting growth, either via cell signalling pathways or proliferation induction (3, 4). Genes, and mutations in them, for other traits in tumours have been relatively neglected.

In recent years, many regulatory non-coding (RNA) genes in various classes have been described (5). Studies of the effects of their mutations are in progress.

The paper reviews data in the UCSC Genome Browser (6) concerning non-coding genes in or near histopathologically-significant and hereditarily-predisposing tumour genes (7).  The potential effects of the type of mutation affecting these genes are discussed.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Dr. Lopez-Ruiz has completed his PhD from Valencia University and postdoctoral studies from CEU Cardenal Herrera Health Sciences Faculty.  She obtained her doctorate in Medicine with the doctoral thesis on “Analysis of the use of medication in the paediatric population that visit accident and emergency department” with summa cum laude. She has achieved the qualification of “Master in Neonatology”  from the Catholic University in Valencia. She is Medicine Degree Coordinator in CEU Cardenal Herrera University since 2015. She has attended as a keynote speaker  and as an Organing Committee Member of the 12th International Conference on Pediatric Pathology & Laboratory.

Abstract

Aberrant pancreas or pancreatic heterotopia, in the wall of the stomach is a most uncommon finding that refers to pancreatic tissue without anatomic, vascular or neurogenic connections with the main gland. A 5-year-old chid was admitted to our hospital with a 3-day history of diffuse recurrent abdominal pain, no nauseas or vomits, no further symptoms associated. This was his third similar episode in a 1-month period, and he had been seen at two different hospitals in a period of two years but not admitted on each occasion. Blood test, abdominal examination,  and imaging, including computed tomography (CT), were negative during an episode 3 weeks previously, and were also negative during the last hospital admission. The emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy evaluation revealed  a heterogeneous lesion in the antrum of the stomach with a small anechoic area, which was suspected to be aberrant pancreas. We suspected that the epygastralgia might imply some sort of inflammation in the submucosal lesion. The patient was successfully treated surgically by excision of the lesion. Pathological examinations confirmed a diagnosis of aberrant pancreas. Conclusons: Pediatric patients with recurrent, episodic abdominal pain should undergo systematic evaluation in the emergency department. A previous negative study should not dissuade physicians from proceeding with a systematic and complete evaluation of the Pediatric patient with recurrent abdominal pain, and this is due to the limited use of diagnostic tests and conservative management, due to health policies not medical or clinical.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Dr Sreekala Sreehari is currently the Lead of Centralised Histopathology Laboratory at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City. Currently she is the Country advisor to UAE of Royal College of Pathologists, UK. She is an active member of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Europeon Society of Pathology and IAP. She is recently selected as an External peer Assessor to UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Services ISO 15189:2012). With more than 10 years of international experience, Dr Sreekala is an expert diagnostician. Her key areas of interests include Oncopathology related to Breast, Colon, Head & Neck, Male & Female Genital system and a core member of NMC Oncocare tumour boards. She is playing a key role in National Cancer Screening Programmes related to Breast, Colon and Cervix in the region. She has authored and co-authored several articles, done audits ad been part of several projects. Early Cancer detection, Digital pathology, Environmental safety, Technology developments in cancer care and Laboratory Quality standards are her main areas of interest. 

Abstract

Breast-cancer is curable if detected early, as well proven by the UK National Breast Cancer

Screening Programme. Developed countries of the world has clear Breast cancer screening guidelines emphasizing Self breast awareness, Clinical Breast Examination and Mammogram algorithms. But in developing countries in the world the situation is not very encouraging. Many cancer detection camps are happening, but they cannot reach larger population. Hence when developed countries significantly reduced their breast cancer mortality rate, in countries like India the mortality rate due to Breast cancer is around 50% (as per latest IARC report). Hence I thought of using smartphone technology for early detection of breast cancer through the BREXA Mobile App. The app has the following features: 1, To score for risk of getting breast cancer; 2, Monthly reminders and video assistance for self breast check, 3, Information about the different tests used in breast cancer diagnosis 4, Once the woman crosses 40 years of age, the app automatically reminds and assist in booking for screening mammogramevery year 5, The results of the tests will be avaible within the App. 6, If the app detects high risk women, such women are given further guidance by expert panel of doctors. 7, Users can also book appointments with doctors and laboratories through the app and avail discounts on mammography 8, Even after diagnosis, guidance and information is available in the app, making it a comprehensive cancer solution.

BREXA is now available in English, Malayalam, Arabic and Hindi. BREXA is completely free and can be downloaded from Google play or App store. It is designed as if a doctor companion is always with the woman giving guidance. With effective use of BREXA app, women world over can be saved from Breast cancer deaths, which is caused due to late detection.

Mission is: ''No more family without a mother due to breast cancer'' ''Save mothers and Save the world''

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Dr. Naila Atif, MBBS, FCPS, FCP, MIAC is a Professor and Head of pathology Department Azra Naheed Medical College Lahore, Pakistan

 

Abstract

Liver biopsy examination is a tool which gives a detail description of the necroinflammatory activity and degree of fibrosis to treat the patient accordingly for its prognosis. Biopsies can be examined by different scoring systems like old qualitative classification Knodell histology activity index (HAI), Ishak modified HAI, Scheuer scoring system, Metavir system, Batts Ludwig system. The objective of the talk will be to identify the merits and demerits of different scoring systems and to compare different scoring systems used for this purpose. One hundred and twenty reported copies of patients having chronic viral hepatitis were retrieved from computer system. Then slides were taken out for these reports. Slides were analyzed for grading and staging using different scoring systems. Biopsies with 6-8 portal areas were included. Patients with incomplete history were excluded from study. It was concluded that it doesn’t matter which system you use. More complex systems can provide more information than simple ones, but they are less reproducible. So the system preferred by you should be the one, better correlated and understood by the clinician.

Biography

Dr. Arnav Kr. Roychoudhury has completed his MD Pathology from MGM University of Health Sciences (MGMUHS). He is currently working as Assistant Professor in the department of Pathology, AIMSR, Bathinda a premier tertiary care Hospital. He has published more than 17 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an reviewer of repute journals. 

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions present today an immense challenge to Gynecological Pathologists. Ovarian cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death (age standardized mortality rate: 4/100,000) among women worldwide and in India it’s comprising up to 8.7% of cancers in different parts of the country5.

Aims & Objectives: To study the non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of ovary in South Western part of Punjab.

Materials & methods: A prospective clinico-pathological study of 92 cases of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of ovary was conducted in Department of Pathology at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda over the period of one year. The non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions from representative sections were studied and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification 2002 and staging was done according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging.

Results: Amongst 92 cases studied during study period, 39 were non-neoplastic and remaining 53 were neoplastic. The most common non-neoplastic lesion found was corpus luteal cysts(38.46%) followed by solitary follicular cysts (30.76%). Among the 53 neoplastic ovarian lesions 42 (79.2%) cases were benign and 11 (20.7%) cases were malignant. In the 42 benign ovarian neoplasms, most commonly seen lesion was serous cystadenoma followed by benign cystic teratoma and mucinous cystadenoma. Out of total 11 malignant cases, maximum was of serous cystadenocarcinoma (36.3%) followed by case 3 cases (27.2%) of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

Conclusion: Most of the benign tumors were observed in the age group of 20-40yr, while most of the malignant tumor cases were common in elderly (>40 years) age group. The most commonly seen benign neoplastic lesion was serous cystadenoma whereas serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common malignant ovarian neoplasm. Histopathology remains the gold standard for the diagnosis along with all other advanced ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry.

Day2: October 9, 2018

Keynote Forum

Biography

Dr. Padurean currently the Medical Director of the NeoGenomics Laboratories, Fort Myers, Florida, received his medical degree from University of Medicine Victor Babes, Timisoara, Romania. He conducted medical research at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, completed his pathology residency at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota and hematopathology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He served as Assistant Professor at University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, and susequently was Director of Hematology Laboratories of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University Chicago.

Abstract

Bone marrow specimens play a crucial role in the diagnosis of hematolymphoid neoplasms.  Although within the past 50 years significant advances have been made in immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, FISH, and molecular sciences, morphological examination of bone marrow still remains the primordial mean for diagnosing hematolymphoid disorders.  Furthermore, based on the morphological findings, all other ancillary testings are directed.  Therefore, an adequate bone marrow specimen plays a critical role not only in the morphological examination of the marrow, but in judiciously selecting the additional necessary tests to reach a final conclusion, meaningful for oncologists to properly treat their patients.  In this presentation the audience will be introduced to the many artifacts that may preclude an adequate bone marrow examination and how they could be avoided.

Biography

Sergey Suchkov was born in the City of Astrakhan, Russia, in a family of dynasty medical doctors. In 1980, graduated from Astrakhan State Medical University and was awarded with MD. In 1985, Suchkov maintained his PhD as a PhD student of the I.M. Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy and Institute of Medical Enzymology. In 2001, Suchkov maintained his Doctor Degree at the National Institute of Immunology, Russia.

From 1989 through 1995, Dr Suchkov was being a Head of the Lab of Clinical Immunology, Helmholtz Eye Research Institute in Moscow. From 1995 through 2004 - a Chair of the Dept for Clinical Immunology, Moscow Clinical Research Institute (MONIKI). In 1993-1996, Dr Suchkov was a Secretary-in-Chief of the Editorial Board, Biomedical Science, an international journal published jointly by the USSR Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.

At present, Dr Sergey Suchkov, MD, PhD, is:

Professor, Director, Center for Personalized Medicine, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and Dept of Clinical Immunology, A.I.Evdokimov Moscow State Medical and Dental University;

Professor, Chair, Dept for Translational Medicine, Moscow Engineering Physical Institute (MEPhI), Russia

Secretary General, United Cultural Convention (UCC), Cambridge, UK.

Dr Suchkov is a member of the:

New York Academy of Sciences, USA;
American Chemical Society (ACS), USA;
American Heart Association (AHA), USA;
European Association for Medical Education (AMEE), Dundee, UK;
EPMA (European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine), Brussels, EU;
ARVO (American Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology);
ISER (International Society for Eye Research);
Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC), Washington, DC, USA
All-Union (from 1992 - Russian) Biochemical Society;
All-Union (from 1992 - Russian) Immunological Society.

Dr Suchkov is a member of the Editorial Boards of “Open Journal of Immunology”, EPMA J., American J. of Cardiovascular Research and “Personalized Medicine Universe”

Abstract

A new systems approach to diseased states and wellness result in a new branch in the healthcare services, namely, personalized medicine (PM). To achieve the implementation of PM concept, it is necessary to create a fundamentally new strategy based upon the subclinical recognition of biopredictors of hidden abnormalities long before the disease clinically manifests itself.

Each decision-maker values the impact of their decision to use PM on their own budget and well-being, which may not necessarily be optimal for society as a whole. It would be extremely useful to integrate data harvesting from different databanks for applications such as prediction and personalization of further treatment to thus provide more tailored measures for the patients resulting in improved patient outcomes, reduced adverse events, and more cost effective use of health care resources. A lack of medical guidelines has been identified by the majority of responders as the predominant barrier for adoption, indicating a need for the development of best practices and guidelines to support the implementation of PM!

Implementation of PM requires a lot before the current model “physician-patient” could be gradually displaced by a new model “medical advisor-healthy person-at-risk”. This is the reason for developing global scientific, clinical, social, and educational projects in the area of PM to elicit the content of the new branch.

Tracks

  • Hematopathology
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Gynaecological Pathology
  • Reproductive Pathology
  • Uropathology
Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Prof. Dr. Jochen Fries is the head of a translational pathology laboratory, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, focusing on the role of endothelin-1, its signal transduction and the function of its newly defined target genes in renal and urogenital pathology. He has published more than 60 research paper in various international journals in the field of Chronic Renal Disease, Cardiac Disease / Vascular Disease, Molecular Therapy / Transplantation Technology/ Stem Cell Technology. He was trained in Surgical Pathology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and obtained postdoctoral training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

Abstract

This presentation highlights results from author’s laboratory in the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) signaling in damaging renal proximal tubules in proteinuric kidney disease, renal carcinoma and tubulotoxicity, involving miRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that can play important roles in cell function and development by targeting mRNA sequences of protein-coding transcripts, resulting in either mRNA cleavage or repression of productive translation. Inflammation/Tumor: Author’s research groups has demonstrated that ET-1 plays a major role as a mediator of cellular signaling in primary renal proximal tubule cells, which express both its receptor subtypes (A, B). In proteinuric diseases such as membranous nephropathy or focal segmental sclerosis leading to inflammation and subsequent fibrosis as well as in tubular carcinoma cells (CAKI-1), ET-1 is able to activate a cytoplasmic transcription complex consisting of NF-κB p65, MAPK p38α, and PKCα. Consequently, PKCα is no longer able to transmigrate in the nucleus, which leads to loss of suppression of a primiRNA15a, maturation of this miRNA in the cytoplasm, its tubular secretion and detectability in the urine. This mechanism seems to exist in minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy and focal segmental sclerosis. Upregulating PKCα levels in vitro and in an Adriamycin model of proteinuria results in undetectable levels of miRNA15a in the urine. This may lend itself as marker controlling the effect of therapy and compliance. In renal tumors, high miRNA15a levels (and respective low PKCα levels) are characteristic for malignant clear cell carcinoma being inversely correlated in benign oncocytoma. Tumor resection results in background urinary miRNa15a levels. Meanwhile, the NF-κB p65 has unrestricted nuclear access, transcribing NF-κB responsive genes. Proliferation/Tumor suppression: miRNa15a induces a splice-form of MAPK p38α, called Mxi-2. We showed that Mxi-2 is a transcription factor in proximal tumor cells. Building a complex with ETS-1 and ERK, it activates p16/p21. Furthermore, in a RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) in the cytoplasm together with Ago2 and miRNA1285 it blocks nuclear transmigration of p53, indicating a potential block of tumor suppression. Tubulotoxicity: Through evolution, the regulatory induction of the multiple drug resistant protein 2 (MRP2) via ET-1 receptor B (ETBR) is known. We showed that in an Adriamycin model as well as in human biopsies of proteinuric disease, MRP2 is downregulated. This regulation occurs via ET-1 stimulation of ETBR and activation of miRNA133a, interacting with the 3’UTR region of the MRP2 gene. The excretion of this miRNA could be used as surrogate marker for MRP2 downregulation. This mechanism is also explains tubulotoxicity in renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A (CyA): MRP2 responsible for tubular excretion is downregulated in CyA tubulotoxic damage as shown by quantitative immune histology of MRP2 vs. controls (CyA-arteriolopathy, CyA non-affected transplants, and normal kidneys). miRNAs could be useful as (i) biomarkers in the urine for renal carcinoma; (ii) indicators of activated signaling pathways in proteinuric disease; (iii) as surrogate marker for potential tubulotoxicity, particularly when tubulotoxic drugs like CyA are considered as treatment in proteinuric diseases such as pediatric FSGS.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Walaa Abdulrazzak Felemban has completed her bachelor’s degree in medicine and Surgery from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She is a certified Anatomical Pathologist with Saudi and Arab board qualifications. She is working as Acting Consultant at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital up to date.

Abstract

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare infectious disease caused by a fungus that classified as Zygomycota and known as Basidiobolus ranarum. Most commonly immuno compromised and a rarely healthy individual can infect by this organism which transmitted through the skin after direct contamination with a decomposed vegetable matter, droppings of vertebrates and clay under environmental circumstances such as climate areas. The dilemma in the diagnosis of these cases is the clinical presentation of a mass which may misdiagnose as a chronic granulomatous inflammation or neoplasm. Tissue culture and biopsy are essential to reveal the diagnosis of Basidiobolomycosis. To date, most cases that have been reported as Basidiobolomycosis are involving the gastrointestinal tract with predominantly in a paediatric population from a tropical and subtropical region with the majority of Saudi Arabia. Very few cases of Basidiobolomycosis involving the subcutaneous tissue with exclusively affecting the orbit have been reported in the literature. Here author is representing a case of Basidiobolomycosis in a toddler female who presented with swelling of the left orbit following trauma to the left eye.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Haroon Firooz has completed his speciality program in field of pathology in Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany. He is the Head of the pathology department in Herat Medical Faculty of Afghanistaan. He has published more than eight papers in Herat University Medical Journal.

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related death worldwide. Many patients have in operable diseases at diagnosis or have recurrent diseases after resection with curative intent. Gastric cancer is seperated anatomically into true gastric adenocarcinoms and gastro oesophageal junction adenocarcinomas and histologically into diffuse and intestinal types. Gastric cancer should be treated by team of experts from different discipline. Surgery is the only curative treatment for locally advanced diseases. Chemotherapy is usually implemented in combination with surgery. In metastatic diseases, outcomes are poor with median survival being around one year. For the first time in Herat province of Afghanistan I decided to have a research on gastric cancers. Since there was no pathology laboratory in the past, no data is available about prevalence and incidence of this diseases. I collected the data and related possible causes of gastric cancer in my cancer diagnostic center, in order to inform the community about this dangerous diseases. Unfortunately in our country most of patients diagnose in late stages of cancer because of lack of facilities and awaraness of diagnostic methods.
Objective: To evaluate the histopathologic types of gastric cancer and related risk factors in Herat city.
Methods: This research is a descriptive study (based on existing data) or cross sectional study. The study population consists of 152 gastric biopsies from the patients who were suffering form gastric disorders. Endoscopically mucosal resection (biopsy) is taken by endoscopists and referred to Firooz pathology laboratory for diagnosis. The research data is from 01/01/2015 to 01/01/2017.

Materials: All tissues were excised by endoscopy as mucosal resections (biopsies). The diagnosis of the tissue samples were according to histologic prepared and stained slides (H&E) after standard histotechnology.
Results: In this study, 152 biopsies were assessed. 137 patients diagnosed gastric cancer, among them 95 (69.2%) were males and 42 (30.7%) females, 45.26% of cancer patients aged over 60 years old. In (71.05%) of biopsies revealed intestinal type adenocarcinoma. (11.8%) of patients the biopsies showed diffuse type carcinoma. Dysplasia were noted in (6.57%) of biopsies. Finally (2.70%) of biopsies revealed atrophic gastritis and (0.65%) of cases revealed lymphoma NHL. In 49.6% of cases the tumors had proximal location and in 50.44% of cases the tumor had distal location. Low grade adenocarcinoma were seen in 22.6% of cases, moderately differentiated were seen in 19.7% of cases and poorly differentiated were seen in 57.7% of cases. In this study 41.6% of cases revealed Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa. Patients who diagnosed gastric cancer did not use alcohol and Tobacco, most used meat in their daily diet.

Conclusion: By considering this fact that gastric cancer is a dangerous disease specially in undeveloped countries like Afghanistan and kills many people, it is mandatory for physician to diagnose gastric cancer in onset and early stages, in order to survive patients. Acording to our study most of referring patients (57.7%) suffered from Grade III adenocarcinoma and diagnosed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma during there first endoscopy and histopathologic examination and the mean age for gastric cancer was 57.8 therfore, it is recommended for doctors to consider abdominal discomfort and gastric disorders as a serious problem and do necessary investigative methods especially in ages above 45 years with special emphasis on early diagnosis of disease inorder to reduce and decrease death rates.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Ekaterina Bazyleva was graduated from the German School in Moscow in 2014 and moved to Japan to complete her 12th year of school education. Currently she is a student of Medical University of Varna in Bulgaria and she is working on her PhD as a student in Department for Personalized and Precision Medicine in University of World Politics and Law, Moscow, Russia​. Her research interest lies in the areas of Immunology, Oncology, Personalized Medicine, Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence.

Abstract

Rapid improvement in the DNA sequencing technologies can revolutionize personalized genomic medicine by making this health care approach faster and more cost-effective. The technological revolution in high-throughput screening (HTS) and relatively lower-cost next-generation sequencing (NGS) of DNA influences the profound understanding of the individual genetic makeup: these technologies predict the susceptibility to a disease thus pave the way for therapeutics and personalized medicine. This especially becomes of a paramount importance in pediatric oncology. For a quicker detection of a genetic predisposition to hereditary malignancies and any pathology at early stages allows then to combat some of the illnesses prematurely and to avoid ineffective and virulent therapies hence to improve the healthcare and wellness.

Location: Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Biography

Aishwarya Sitaram has done MBBS, MD and DNB from India and completed Postdoctoral Certificate Course in Oncopathology from P D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mumbai, India. She is currently working as Assistant Professor in K J Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre, Mumbai, India.

Abstract

As per the latest Indian Council of Medical Research Statistics, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women with an estimation of 1.5 lakh new cases (over 10% of all cancers seen during 2016). According to the National Cancer Registry almost 48% of breast cancer patients currently are below 50 years of age in comparison to 25 years ago, when 69% of the patients were over 50 years of age. Mammographic screening has not become a method of cancer prevention in India, partly because of the cost and also lack of its awareness. Nevertheless, in urban areas screening sonomammograms and image guided biopsies of suspicious lesions has led to an increased detection of early breast cancer. In our study on 146 cases of non-palpable screen detected biopsy proven early breast cancer, we found that Luminal A subtype was the most common. It was also seen that a subset of patients of younger age (<50 years) showed larger and higher grade tumours with triple negative and HER2 positive subtypes. 12% of our patients showed nodal and systemic metastasis, both of which were seen mostly in the non-Luminal A sub types. There were 33 cases of DCIS and one case of malignant Phyllodes tumour.