The Pathology Report

Thank you to our partner Astellas for their support in producing this podcast episode.

Claudin-18.2 (CLDN18.2) represents an important emerging biomarker in gastrointestinal cancer.

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Donna Lenghaus is joined by Professor Beena Kumar and A/Professor Katrin Sjoquist to discuss the evolving role of biomarkers in the management of gastric carcinoma, and how CLDN18.2 testing can help identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies.

Key topics discussed include:

• How improved understanding of tumour biology and identification of biomarkers is changing the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
• The clinical utility of using CLDN18.2 testing to facilitate targeted therapies for eligible patients, including Zolbetuximab.
• Pathology considerations, including appropriate biopsy, controls, specimen age, tumour location, scoring and reporting standards.
• The role of the multidisciplinary team.
• Resources and other emerging biomarkers.

In exploring the use of CLDN18.2 as a predicative biomarker, this episode highlights that accurate immunohistochemistry testing, adequate tissue, standardised reporting and strong communication between pathology and clinical teams is essential to ensuring eligible patients can access targeted treatments.

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

What are the current trends and operational realities in the genetic diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular diseases?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host A/Prof Caitlin Keighley is joined by A/Prof Jodie Ingles from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to discuss the impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular diseases, and how better to care for families.

Using real-world examples, topics explored in this episode include:

• The role of a genetic counsellor.
• Genetic testing and diagnostic yield in unsolved cases.
• Expanding knowledge through ongoing research.
• Current barriers affecting access to genetic services.
• Importance of collaboration, postmortem testing and advocacy.

By highlighting key priorities moving forward, this episode provides insights into how NGS can be best utilised to support families impacted by inherited cardiovascular disease, ensuring they receive the answers they need in a timely manner.

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Thank you to our partner Roche for their support in producing this podcast episode.

How can multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) improve cancer care, and make the most of greater pathology input, molecular testing and emerging technologies?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ben Dessauvagie is joined by pathologists Prof Gelareh Farshid and and oncologist, A/Prof Jenny Lee, to explore the role of these collaborative forums where pathology, radiology and clinical information are integrated to guide patient management.

The key topics discussed include:

• the educational value of MDTs
• the importance of clinical history on request forms
• how pathologists contribute to MDTs
• the benefits and drawbacks of virtual meetings
• ongoing challenges, potential solutions as well as future opportunities.

The panel highlights the importance of open communication, mutual respect and active participation in ensuring that MDTs are effective and support shared clinical decision making.

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Thank you to our partner Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for their support in producing this podcast episode.

Recent advances in the use of neoadjuvant therapies for melanoma mean that pathologists are now at the forefront of clinical decision-making and patient care.

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host A/Prof Diane Kenwright is joined by anatomical pathologists, Dr Louise Jackett, Dr Robert Rawson and Dr Danielle Vignati to discuss the latest clinical trials and research, with practical approaches to help pathologists navigate this rapidly evolving field.

Key topics include:

• Immunotherapy and its role in treating high stage melanoma and other cancer streams.
• How undertaking immunotherapy as a neoadjuvant prior to an intentional resection impacts melanoma patient prognosis and treatment.
• Post-resection examination and practical approaches to recognising the tumour bed.
• Accurately calculating the pathological response of the patient to immunotherapy using cut-offs, and the role of pathologists in multidisciplinary care teams.
• Updated protocols and guidelines and ongoing neoadjuvant research.

With practical insights from leading experts in melanoma research and care, this episode is an excellent resource for pathologists wanting to stay up to date on the latest neoadjuvant advances and optimise patient outcomes.

Episode links

• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• Tetzlaff, M T et al. “Pathological assessment of resection specimens after neoadjuvant therapy for metastatic melanoma.” Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology vol. 29,8 (2018): 1861-1868. doi:10.1093/annonc/mdy226

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

The latest advances in vaccine research are providing new insights into how we can better protect individuals and communities from both infectious and non-infectious diseases.

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host and microbiologist Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by clinical immunologist Professor Tri Phan and vaccinology consultant Professor Helen Marshall. Together, they discuss the latest developments in vaccine research, including clinical trials for adults and children, the safety and effectiveness of different vaccines, and the science behind specificity and immune memory.

Key topics include:

• How the adjuvant component of vaccines may offer immune system benefits beyond the specific antigen that is being targeted.
• The impact of vaccinations being repeated in the same arm, and how this may change the memory B-cell response between booster shots.
• The role of vaccines in stimulating tolerogenic responses to treat non-infectious diseases, such as autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
• The major barriers to vaccine uptake, particularly with children and adolescents, and public health measures to increase and maintain vaccination rates.
• Uncoupling vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity to help improve understanding vaccine responses and benefits.
• Unexpected off-target benefits of vaccines, including the link between meningococcal B vaccine and gonorrhoea and the shingles vaccine and dementia risk.

Episode links:

Women and Children's Hospital - Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit (VIRTU)

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz.

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

What is cultural safety, and how is it different to cultural competency? What does practising in a culturally safe manner look like for pathologists and senior scientists who aren't in patient-facing roles?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host and anatomical pathologist A/Prof Diane Kenwright is joined by haematology Trainee Dr TeApatu McCrea and clinical microbiologist Dr Harsha Samarasekara from Nepean Hospital to explore these questions and reflect on their own experiences.

They cover:

• How to distinguish cultural safety and distinguishing it from cultural competence, exploring how cultural safety focuses on putting the patient at the centre.
• Prioritising cultural safety in the laboratory setting, and how personal experiences, language, food, dress, religion and cultural identity influence workplace interactions and wellbeing.
• How pathologists, despite often working behind the scenes, play a key role in fostering environments where patient trust and respect are prioritised.
• Experiences of addressing culturally unsafe behaviour in the workplace and highlighting the importance of challenging culturally unsafe practices through respectful, non-confrontational approaches.
• The need to address unconscious racial profiling in pathology education and why expanding cultural safety training needs to go beyond a box-ticking exercise.

A key takeaway from this episode is that cultural safety is an ongoing collective responsibility, requiring openness to change, mutual respect and meaningful inclusion of all cultures within healthcare environments.

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Paediatric pathology is a highly specialised field, with key differences and challenges compared to delivering diagnostic care for the adult population.

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host and microbiologist Prof Caitlin Keighley is joined by an expert panel to explore how precision and perspective guide the delivery of pathology for paediatric patients.

• Dr Tina Yen – chemical pathologist, St George Hospital Sydney.
• Dr Anthea Greenway – paediatric haematologist, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
• Prof Paul Monagle – paediatric haematologist, University of Melbourne.

Highlighting case studies, including bilirubin testing, paediatric coagulation and ferritin studies, the panel explores:

• How age-related reference ranges are not always established, and the impact this might have on clinical management
• The need for standardisation between laboratories, and why varying clinicians need to be made aware that different analysers produce different results so they can tailor their requests and interpret results accordingly.
• The challenges associated with only being able to draw small amounts of blood from some paediatric patients, particularly neonates, and the need for testing protocols to reduce blood volume loss.

While representing only a small percentage of the patient population, the unique needs of paediatric patients and the imperative to help give children long and healthy lives highlights the importance of paediatric pathology and the need for greater investment and research in this space.

Episode links:

• HAPPI Kids Harmonising Age Pathology Parameters in Kids

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

• Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube
• Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz
• Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Ethical publishing principles cover every stage of the research process, from project conceptualisation to participant consent. So, what are the key considerations for pathology professionals looking to publish research that is accurate, respectful and a positive experience for all involved?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host and microbiologist Dr Ian Gassiep is joined by Professor Wendy Cooper, anatomical pathologist and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the RCPA’s peer-reviewed journal Pathology and Dr Hema Urban, Managing Editor of Pathology.

Together, they unpack the key ethical considerations they come across in scientific publishing, and what prospective authors need to be aware of.

• Authorship vs acknowledgment, and how these terms are used to indicate the level of research involvement.
• What the order of authorship means, and the responsibilities and benefits associated with being a lead author.
• Recognising the potential harms of colonial and Eurocentric approaches to research, and the need to respect Indigenous Data Sovereignty and local researchers.
• What informed participant consent entails, and the mistakes to avoid.
• Steps to take to ensure the anonymity of patients, including for rare case studies where published information may inadvertently breach confidentiality.
• What needs to be declared when it comes to using AI, and the importance of accountability.

As mentioned in the conversation, mentorship and seeking guidance from editors is an important part of the publishing process. Regardless of your career stage, if you have any questions around ethical publishing please get in touch with the Pathology journal team.

Episode links

• Pathology journal
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly work in Medical Journals.
• Good Clinical Practice Guidelines

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Cell-free DNA testing in cancer, where circulating free DNA from tumours is analysed via a blood test, is transforming cancer diagnosis and management.

How are these advances being integrated into clinical practice, and what are the latest updates for pathologists involved in cancer care?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Donna Lenghaus is joined by Professor Ronald Trent, genetic pathologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Associate Professor Mirette Saad, chemical pathologist and national director of molecular genetics at Australian Clinical Labs, to discuss the current state of cell-free DNA testing, and where this rapidly-evolving field is heading to next.

They explore:

• the application of cell-free DNA testing vs solid tissue biopsies in detecting somatic mutations
• how these tests can be used as a minimally invasive method for detecting cancer, and for the real-time monitoring of genomic changes in tumours.
• access considerations, including benefits for regional patients and those too unwell to undergo surgery, as well as barriers associated with cost and self-funding
• challenges around the lack of standardisation across laboratories, and heterogeneity in populations
• the need for greater collaboration between pathologists and clinicians to explore how these tests can be advantageous to the patient
• the application and possibility of using cell-free DNA testing as a screening tool for cancer, including ethical considerations.

This episode offers valuable insights and essential information for pathologists and clinicians involved in cancer prevention, treatment, and management.

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz.

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report podcast so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Patients can now view most pathology results as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record. But pathology reports have traditionally been written for clinicians, not patients. So how should pathology reporting evolve, and what does a truly patient-friendly report look like?

In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Dr Ben Dessauvagie is joined by Julie Sherfan, clinical scientist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Kay Weng Choy, chemical pathologist and Pamela Robson from Pathology Tests Explained to answer these questions and explorethe benefits and challenges of patient-friendly pathology reporting.

Using examples to illustrate real-world impact, the panel explores:

• The importance of prioritising easy-to-understand language to help patients understand results.
• The need to ensure the report includes enough commentary to adequately explain the clinical impact of results.
• The challenges associated with complex anatomical pathology reports, and what changes may be necessary to improve clarity and reduce confusion.

As the changes to My Health Record become the new norm, the panel share their insights on what the future of patient-friendly reporting might look like:

• Reports meet the needs of both the patient and the clinician, with consideration given to graphical and visual options to communicate results.
• Pathologists can empower patients with accessible information, ensuring they have some level of understanding of their results going into their consultation.
• The pathology profession is working with rather than competing with AI to ensure patients can access accurate and authoritative information about their health.

Episode links:

• Pathology Tests Explained
• Pathology Terminology and Information Standardisation (PTIS) Project
• AI Tool Pathology Information Assistant by Pathology Tests Explained

RCPA members

This podcast is an RCPA-endorsed CPD activity. Each episode gives you an opportunity to gain CPD hours in three easy steps:

Step 1. Listen or watch the podcast here, on your favourite podcast channel or on YouTube

Step 2. To claim your CPD hours, please complete and pass this short online quiz

Step 3. Sit back and let us load your CPD hours into your CPD profile for you.

Did you enjoy this episode? Make sure you subscribe to The Pathology Report podcast so you know when the next episode drops, and consider leaving us a five-star review so more people can discover the podcast.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.