Molecular testing of BRCA genes in ovarian cancer: what have we learned from the 2017 worldwide external quality assessment schemes?

External quality assessments (EQAs) evaluate the complete analytical process of molecular diagnostics laboratories to set quality standards and harmonize genetic testing procedures. Two separate EQA schemes exist for the molecular testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in ovarian cancer: vGermline and vSomatic. While laboratories participate in these schemes to improve their qualitative and interpretative investigations in ovarian cancer diagnostics, they can be faced with various challenges during the process.

To support healthcare professionals who are involved or interested in participating in a EQA scheme, AstraZeneca invites you to an upcoming one-hour live webinar on March 27th at 12:00 BST (11:00 GMT). This online seminar will shed light on the main learnings gained during the past year’s EQA schemes for the molecular testing of BRCA genes in ovarian cancer.

During the webinar, Dr. Sandi Deans (UK National External Quality Assessment Service) and Dr. Simon Patton (European Molecular Genetics Quality Network) plan to share their extensive experience on how to provide robust high-quality testing, accurate genotyping and appropriate reporting of the results during the EQA.

The live webinar will cover:

• An overview of the results from the 2017 BRCA vGermline and vSomatic EQA schemes
• Clear examples of errors and pitfalls seen in the EQA
• Practical solutions to help prevent and rectify common issues
• Guidance on reporting results within different clinical contexts
  

The last 20 minutes of the webinar will consist of a live Q&A session, where attendees are encouraged to submit their questions to the experts. Registration for this webinar is available here: http://www.workcast.com/register?cpak=8399516277793233

Rudy Hovelinck
Diagnostics Manager AstraZeneca

NS ID : NS ID BE-1508-RD03/2018-LB Local code 295

Rudy Hovelinck obtained a scientific degree first in biochemistry at Ghent University and later in Molecular Biology at the ULB. Initially exploring the academic world in diverse fields as genetics, protein chemistry and virology, he soon realised that bridging scientific knowledge to the medical world was a more meaningful way of spending his professional life. This journey started in the field of pathology biomarker testing, introducing HER2 IHC and ISH testing for patient therapy selection and continued in the field of molecular oncology. Today at AstraZeneca he works as a diagnostics manager. In this role he is passionately contributing to the successful introduction of novel biomarkers and support current testing strategies for patient selection. In his own time he enjoys travelling with his family exploring the world and spending time close to nature. Specialties: Oncology, Anatomic Pathology, Biomarker Development, Medical Devices.