October 13-14, 1:00pm - 5:00pm SGT

10 Million Reasons to Defeat Cancer - 2020 Abbott World Summit

Coming to you from a safe, physical distance, 2020 Abbott World Summit.

Join us as we feature more than 15 global experts during a 2-day virtual summit. Speakers will share their latest discoveries and experiences in cancer screening, risk stratification, patient advocacy and more.

The sessions will highlight diverse and timely topics in cancer including Covid-19 impact, liquid biopsy and treatment. Sessions will also include a Questions and Answer segment.

During the Summit, you will have the opportunity to examine best practices and challenges in managing oncology patients.

Attend the Summit to:

Hear from Oncology experts presenting a variety of topics
Receive direct access to research, scientific posters and resources
Tour virtual lab demonstrations from Abbott
Acknowledge the medical advancements linked to improved outcomes

Who should attend:
Medical and clinical oncologists, pathologists, nurses, students, fellows, residents, general practitioners, laboratories personnel, oncology healthcare professionals, patient advocates, journalists, healthcare industry representatives, policy decision makers, and regulators.

Join us and be at the forefront of cancer screening discoveries as the 2020 Abbott World Summit casts a critical look at timely issues and evaluates the insights in clinical practice around cancer and biomarkers.

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Speakers

Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity - University of California, San Diego
BIOGRAPHY
Khaldoun Almhanna, MD, MPH

Gastrointestinal Oncology, Clinical Trials - Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
BIOGRAPHY
Kareem Azab, PhD

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis
BIOGRAPHY
Pierce Chow

Senior Consultant and Co-Director (Surgical) of the Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic at the National Cancer Centre Singapore - Course Director at Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore
BIOGRAPHY
Lori Denison, MS

Section Head, Administrative Business Systems - Mayo Clinic
BIOGRAPHY
Brian Haab, PhD

Professor, Van Andel Institute, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology
BIOGRAPHY
Sam Hanash, MD, PhD

Director, Department of Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
BIOGRAPHY
Kevin Holcomb, PhD

Associate Dean of Admission, Vice-Chair of Gynecology, Director of Gynecologic Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
Arjun Khanna

Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine
BIOGRAPHY
Eternity D. Labio, MD

Past President Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and Hepatologist, Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MMC).
BIOGRAPHY
David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD

Clinical Associate Professor - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital
BIOGRAPHY
Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD

Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
BIOGRAPHY
Darren Wan Teck Lim

Senior Consultant, Associate Professor - Medical Oncology, Sing Health Research, Singapore
BIOGRAPHY
Pierre Massion, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
BIOGRAPHY
Deliu Victor Matei, MD, PhD

Senior Deputy Director at the European Institute of Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
Shirley A. Mertz, MA, JD

President of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
BIOGRAPHY
Jeffrey Peppercorn, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Cancer Survivorship Program
BIOGRAPHY
P Nagaraja Rao

Director at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & President (E) Indian National Association for the Study of Liver (INASL)
BIOGRAPHY
Hadi Yaziji, MD

Medical Director Vitro Molecular Laboratorios Miami, FL
BIOGRAPHY

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OCT 14, 2020 5:00 PM SGT

Multiple Myeloma: Past, Present and Future
Kareem Azab, PhD

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis
BIOGRAPHY
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that is associated with low blood counts, bone and calcium disorders and infections. Despite advances in treatment in the past decade, the number of deaths associated with MM has not decreased. The pros and cons of bone marrow analysis are discussed: Cytogenetics (Next Gen. Sequencing), flow cytometry and FISH. Three markers and their interactions are used to identify MM cells by flow cytometry: CD138, the gold standard for detection, CD38 and CD45. CD138 is not a reliable marker because hypoxia leads to decreased expression and missed myeloma cells. The findings for a new model that can detect a new subset of myeloma with significant clonality using CD38 as a more specific marker for cell types other than MM cells are discussed. The definition and assessment of Minimal Residual Disease has changed the way we view therapeutic response in MM, and, with refinement, it can be a force to reform classifications, alter management paradigms, and identify those patients who may yet achieve a functional cure. There is no known way to detect circulating myeloma cells due to hypoxia. However, the new model is promising as it detected >80% of circulating cells, suggesting detecting myeloma without biopsies is possible using the right markers.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits and disadvantage of bone marrow analysis to diagnose Multiple Myeloma

Understand the role CD138 plays to improve Multiple Myeloma screening
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 14, 2020 4:30 PM SGT

The Role of Serum Biomarkers in Estimating the Risk of Malignancy in an Adnexal mass: CA125 and Beyond

Kevin Holcomb, PhD

Associate Dean of Admission, Vice-Chair of Gynecology, Director of Gynecologic Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 14, 2020 3:15 PM SGT

Tumor Markers and Prostate Cancer Screening
Deliu Victor Matei, MD, PhD

Senior Deputy Director at the European Institute of Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
The use of biomarkers in screening and optimization of the diagnostic strategy may avoid unnecessary biopsies and improve the prostate biopsy performance. Screening for prostate cancer (Pca) may provide a small benefit in disease-specific mortality over 10 years but it does not improve overall mortality. These benefits should be weighed against the potential complications from biopsies and subsequent treatment, and the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. PSA, if used alone, is insufficient. Integration of genomic tests may advance the diagnosis of Pca. Prostate health index, 4 kallicrein score combining PSA isoforms improve the AUC in the diagnosis setting. The genomic rearrangement occurs in about 30-50% of prostate cancer patients having a specifity of 93% and a PPV of 94%. Mi prostate score combines PCA3 with TMPRSS2 ERG to estimate risk of Pca and thus to help decision making for prostate biopsy. miRNAs seems useful tools for diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcome of Pca patients. PSA screening has to be associated with the mpMRI in order to avoid un-necessary biopsies. The circulating tumor cells identification using immuno cyto chemistry techniques seems the most promising screening test but it needs further evaluation. Integration with genomic tests (such as micro RNA) might turn out imperative in the prediction of clinical outcome.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits of prostate cancer screening

Understand the benefits of multi analyte assay panel vs one assay panel
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 14, 2020 2:30 PM SGT

Detection and Treatment Prediction of Pancreatic Cancer Using a Glycan Biomarker
Brian Haab, PhD

Professor, Van Andel Institute, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology
BIOGRAPHY
CA19-9 is widely known as being the best marker for pancreatic cancer having, on average, a 75% specificity and sensitivity. Three versions of a candidate biomarker related to CA 19-9 (sTRA), detected through screening via on-chip glycon profiling and their value in pancreatic cancer diagnosis are described. The distinct structural components of the sTRA versions, contrary to CA19-9, gives them a stem characteristic, indicating a potential role as subtype markers. Plasma levels of the biomarkers correlated with 45 matched samples, indicating the blood sample can be a good indicator of the primary tumor level. Combining the biomarkers together can detect more types of cancers than each alone, leading to improved sensitivity from 47% to 63%. Additionally, a statistically significant sensitivity increases over CA19-9 alone was noted in a blinded set. This is most rigorous validation so far of improvement upon CA 19-9 using upfront predefined thresholds and classification rules with statistically significant improvement. CA 19-9 provides prognosis value but lacks treatment prediction value. In contract, sTRA, demonstrates value for differentiating subtypes of cancers that is more resistant to chemo.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the gaps in pancreatic cancer screening and how to overcome those gaps

sTRA demonstrates differentiating value when compared to CA19-9
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 14, 2020 1:45 PM SGT

Panel Discussion: Cancer Care in different regions and what are the current standard of care in Liver cancer - How ASAP model can help Liver cancer care in future

Pierce Chow, Eternity Labio, MD, Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD, P Nagaraja Rao

Pierce Chow
Senior Consultant and Co-Director (Surgical) of the Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic at the National Cancer Centre Singapore - Course Director at Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore
BIOGRAPHY

Eternity D. Labio, MD
Past President Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and Hepatologist, Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MMC).
BIOGRAPHY

Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
BIOGRAPHY

P Nagaraja Rao
Director at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & President (E) Indian National Association for the Study of Liver (INASL)
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 14, 2020 1:15 PM SGT

Update on Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Khaldoun Almhanna, MD, MPH

Gastrointestinal Oncology, Clinical Trials - Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
BIOGRAPHY
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that typically develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer Worldwide with a five-year survival of only 18%. The diagnosis of HCC can be difficult and often requires several imaging modalities and biopsies. It is important for tumors to be detected when they are < 2cm in size for an early diagnosis, prevention of stage progression and ultimately a favorable outcome. Surveillance plays a key role in early diagnosis while ultrasound and CT technologies scans have limitations. The tumor markers AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA may be useful in early diagnose of HCC. It has been shown that combining the use of the three markers improves sensitivity significantly and has the potential to change the outcome of patients with HCC. Practice guidelines for HCC are discussed for US (AASLD), Asia (APASL) and Japan (JSH). Several models that combine clinical features and HCC biomarkers in order to predict HCC are discussed: GALAD, MoRAL, ASAP. Integrating these biomarkers in HCC treatment pathways as a surrogate for treatment response or disease recurrence is extremely important for early diagnosis and change of outcome.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the challenge and clinical unmet needs when it comes to HCC screening

Understand the difference between using multi analytic panel approach vs one assay and how it impacts the accuracy of the results
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 4:30 PM SGT

How to Improve HER2 testing Accuracy: Incorporating the 2018 ASCO/CAP Focused Update
Hadi Yaziji, MD

Medical Director Vitro Molecular Laboratorios Miami, FL
BIOGRAPHY
The mechanism of HER2 protein expression in tumors is primarily gene amplification, primarily enabled via the process of dimerization of HER2 receptors. Anytime there is a discrepancy, which is exceedingly rare, between protein and gene status, we rely more on the protein status rather than gene status for treatment purposes because the drug doesn’t target the gene. There are common misconceptions that low grade tumors, lobular, mucinous “tubular” tumors and tumors with incomplete membranous signal are always HER2 negative. Additionally, there is the misconception that most HER2-positive tumors are high grade. ASCO/CAP 2018 update moved closer to performing Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & FISH (Fluorescence) on all tumors and recommends the use of dual-probe instead of single-probe IHC assays. 2018 Guidelines swing the pendulum in the “negative results” direction. As this will not solve the dilemma of the “gray zone” group, we propose a 3-tier scoring of HER2 status as either positive, negative or low as this will not solve the dilemma of the “gray zone” group. Our QA program includes tumor analysis, nuclear score, tumor histological grade, IHC score and FISH score. Correlation with IHC and tumor histopathology and performing metrics is mandatory in order to improve HER2 testing accuracy.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of HER2 between the protein and gene status

Understand the role of IHC & FISH in breast cancer diagnosis
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 4:00 PM SGT

Cancer Advocacy

Lori Denison, MS, Shirley Mertz, MA, JD

Lori Denison, MS
Section Head, Administrative Business Systems - Mayo Clinic
BIOGRAPHY

Shirley A. Mertz, MA, JD
President of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 13, 2020 3:30 PM SGT

Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: Current Practice, Opportunities and Unmet Needs
Jeffrey Peppercorn, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Cancer Survivorship Program
BIOGRAPHY
Biomarkers are essential to define breast cancer subtypes that predict prognosis and guide treatment and to guide selection of Rx in metastatic disease. 94% of breast cancer is curable and biomarkers play a critical role in identifying patients with early stage cancer who may benefit from novel therapies. Biomarkers can be useful in evaluation of symptoms in survivors but should not be used in asymptomatic survivors outside of a clinical trial. More research is needed to identify high risk patients who can be targeted for early intervention and improved outcomes. Biomarkers may be used as one of the tools to evaluate response to Rx and may be used to individualize therapy and guide decisions over chemotherapy. Examples of validated and commonly used tumor markers in oncology include PSA for prostate cancer, M protein for Myeloma, HCG for some testicular cancers. Biomarkers are used to guide therapy in metastatic breast cancer. ASCO guidelines recommend biopsy to confirm diagnosis and check standard clinical biomarkers (ER, PR, and HER2) to guide therapy. Decisions on changing to a new drug or discontinuing treatment should be based on the patient's goals for care and clinical evaluation of disease progression or response. There is no evidence that changing therapy solely based on biomarker results improves health outcome, quality of life, or cost effectiveness. Biomarkers may be used as one of the tools to evaluate response to Rx. Liquid biopsy as early screening of response and guide to precision therapy is the future.

Learning Objectives:

The role of biomarkers in predicting breast cancer

Learn about liquid biopsy and how it’s used in breast cancer screening and monitoring.
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 3:00 PM SGT

FEATURED SPEAKER - Cancer in the era of Covid-19, Public health perspectives
Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity - University of California, San Diego
BIOGRAPHY
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled oncology practices to hit the “reset” button for their care delivery model. Cancer is a Global burden projected to increase to 27 million by 2040 due to population growth, aging population and risk factors. Patients with cancer are one of the most affected groups by the pandemic because they are immunocompromised and require frequent admission to the hospital. There is significant interruption in delivering of care and the incident of cancer diagnoses may increase during and after pandemic due to halted screening. Accumulating data suggest that the likelihood of a severe illness and death from COVID-19 is higher among adult patients with cancer hematologic malignancies. Psychological impact on patients and staff is huge and communication, remote care and e-health are key. Balancing the risks of delaying cancer treatments versus the risks for SARS CoV-2 exposure is challenging during the pandemic as guidelines are constantly changing. Cancer research should be prioritized and funded and innovations in COVID and cancer testing, and screening technologies are needed. Clinicians should proactively discuss goals of care and advance care planning, especially for those with advanced cancer who are at elevated risk for COVID-19. In summary, cancer patients represent a special situation during this pandemic and a tiered approach to testing could help provide them with life-saving chemotherapy without jeopardizing their chances of benefit.

Learning Objectives:

How COVID 19 reshaped the global oncology model

Understand the areas of focus within healthcare systems during the pandemic, and how it relates to cancer patients.
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 2:30 PM SGT

Panel Discussion: Cancer Care in different regions and what are the current standard of care in Lung cancer

Arjun Khanna, David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD, Chein-Feng Li, MD, Darren Wan Teck Lim

Arjun Khanna
Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine
BIOGRAPHY

David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital
BIOGRAPHY

Chein-Feng Li, MD
Chair of Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center
BIOGRAPHY

Darren Wan Teck Lim
Senior Consultant, Associate Professor - Medical Oncology, Sing Health Research, Singapore
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 13, 2020 1:45 PM SGT

The long journey toward developing a biomarker panel for Lung Cancer Screening

Sam Hanash, MD, PhD

Director, Department of Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 13, 2020 1:15 PM SGT

How do we bring lung cancer diagnostic biomarkers to the clinic?
Pierre Massion, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
BIOGRAPHY
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer Worldwide and accounts for 38% people dying of respiratory diseases. It is a big healthcare burden with costs of approximately $28 Billion per year. Early diagnosis is crucial for improvement of survival rate. Screening lung cancer with low dose chest CT screening effectively could save approximately 8% of the population dying yearly from cancer. Nodules detected by chest CT are categorized proportionally by risk level based on size from low to high. The biggest problem represents the intermediate zone, the largest category, which needs improved diagnostics in a noninvasive way. Imaging and biomarkers may be helpful in stratifying the risk. Biomarkers have multiple layers of evidence and add value, cost effective and eventually save lives. In collaboration with a group in the UK, 15,000 benign lung nodules and 932 cancers from NLST were analyzed. The artificial intelligent model LCP-CNN reclassifies about one third of nodules into a lower or higher risk group, decreasing number of unnecessary procedures and decreases time to diagnosis. Biomarker research of early detection should reach ‘evidence’ based randomized controlled clinical trials observational studies clinical expertise. Additionally, we need to make sure patients are involved in the design of the studies, need informed consent and we need to work with Statistical models who help assess the strength and robustness of biomarkers. We need to look at the continuous risk factors and risk prediction models, molecular and imaging, to address the shortcomings of the clinical prediction models to find a solution of our current evaluation of lung nodule.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the difference between LDCT vs Multi Analyte Assay Analysis

Identify risk factors and risk predictions models to address the lung cancer screening gap
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT

Lung Cancer
OCT 13, 2020 1:15 PM SGT

How do we bring lung cancer diagnostic biomarkers to the clinic?
Pierre Massion, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
BIOGRAPHY
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer Worldwide and accounts for 38% people dying of respiratory diseases. It is a big healthcare burden with costs of approximately $28 Billion per year. Early diagnosis is crucial for improvement of survival rate. Screening lung cancer with low dose chest CT screening effectively could save approximately 8% of the population dying yearly from cancer. Nodules detected by chest CT are categorized proportionally by risk level based on size from low to high. The biggest problem represents the intermediate zone, the largest category, which needs improved diagnostics in a noninvasive way. Imaging and biomarkers may be helpful in stratifying the risk. Biomarkers have multiple layers of evidence and add value, cost effective and eventually save lives. In collaboration with a group in the UK, 15,000 benign lung nodules and 932 cancers from NLST were analyzed. The artificial intelligent model LCP-CNN reclassifies about one third of nodules into a lower or higher risk group, decreasing number of unnecessary procedures and decreases time to diagnosis. Biomarker research of early detection should reach ‘evidence’ based randomized controlled clinical trials observational studies clinical expertise. Additionally, we need to make sure patients are involved in the design of the studies, need informed consent and we need to work with Statistical models who help assess the strength and robustness of biomarkers. We need to look at the continuous risk factors and risk prediction models, molecular and imaging, to address the shortcomings of the clinical prediction models to find a solution of our current evaluation of lung nodule.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the difference between LDCT vs Multi Analyte Assay Analysis

Identify risk factors and risk predictions models to address the lung cancer screening gap
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 1:45 PM SGT

The long journey toward developing a biomarker panel for Lung Cancer Screening

Sam Hanash, MD, PhD

Director, Department of Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 13, 2020 2:30 PM SGT

Panel Discussion: Cancer Care in different regions and what are the current standard of care in Lung cancer

Arjun Khanna, David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD, Chein-Feng Li, MD, Darren Wan Teck Lim

Arjun Khanna
Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine
BIOGRAPHY

David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital
BIOGRAPHY

Chein-Feng Li, MD
Chair of Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center
BIOGRAPHY

Darren Wan Teck Lim
Senior Consultant, Associate Professor - Medical Oncology, Sing Health Research, Singapore
BIOGRAPHY
Elevating Lab Performance
OCT 13, 2020 3:00 PM SGT

FEATURED SPEAKER - Cancer in the era of Covid-19, Public health perspectives
Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity - University of California, San Diego
BIOGRAPHY
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled oncology practices to hit the “reset” button for their care delivery model. Cancer is a Global burden projected to increase to 27 million by 2040 due to population growth, aging population and risk factors. Patients with cancer are one of the most affected groups by the pandemic because they are immunocompromised and require frequent admission to the hospital. There is significant interruption in delivering of care and the incident of cancer diagnoses may increase during and after pandemic due to halted screening. Accumulating data suggest that the likelihood of a severe illness and death from COVID-19 is higher among adult patients with cancer hematologic malignancies. Psychological impact on patients and staff is huge and communication, remote care and e-health are key. Balancing the risks of delaying cancer treatments versus the risks for SARS CoV-2 exposure is challenging during the pandemic as guidelines are constantly changing. Cancer research should be prioritized and funded and innovations in COVID and cancer testing, and screening technologies are needed. Clinicians should proactively discuss goals of care and advance care planning, especially for those with advanced cancer who are at elevated risk for COVID-19. In summary, cancer patients represent a special situation during this pandemic and a tiered approach to testing could help provide them with life-saving chemotherapy without jeopardizing their chances of benefit.

Learning Objectives:

How COVID 19 reshaped the global oncology model

Understand the areas of focus within healthcare systems during the pandemic, and how it relates to cancer patients.
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
Breast Cancer
OCT 13, 2020 3:30 PM SGT

Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: Current Practice, Opportunities and Unmet Needs
Jeffrey Peppercorn, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Cancer Survivorship Program
BIOGRAPHY
Biomarkers are essential to define breast cancer subtypes that predict prognosis and guide treatment and to guide selection of Rx in metastatic disease. 94% of breast cancer is curable and biomarkers play a critical role in identifying patients with early stage cancer who may benefit from novel therapies. Biomarkers can be useful in evaluation of symptoms in survivors but should not be used in asymptomatic survivors outside of a clinical trial. More research is needed to identify high risk patients who can be targeted for early intervention and improved outcomes. Biomarkers may be used as one of the tools to evaluate response to Rx and may be used to individualize therapy and guide decisions over chemotherapy. Examples of validated and commonly used tumor markers in oncology include PSA for prostate cancer, M protein for Myeloma, HCG for some testicular cancers. Biomarkers are used to guide therapy in metastatic breast cancer. ASCO guidelines recommend biopsy to confirm diagnosis and check standard clinical biomarkers (ER, PR, and HER2) to guide therapy. Decisions on changing to a new drug or discontinuing treatment should be based on the patient's goals for care and clinical evaluation of disease progression or response. There is no evidence that changing therapy solely based on biomarker results improves health outcome, quality of life, or cost effectiveness. Biomarkers may be used as one of the tools to evaluate response to Rx. Liquid biopsy as early screening of response and guide to precision therapy is the future.

Learning Objectives:

The role of biomarkers in predicting breast cancer

Learn about liquid biopsy and how it’s used in breast cancer screening and monitoring.
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 13, 2020 4:00 PM SGT

Cancer Advocacy

Lori Denison, MS, Shirley Mertz, MA, JD

Lori Denison, MS
Section Head, Administrative Business Systems - Mayo Clinic
BIOGRAPHY

Shirley A. Mertz, MA, JD
President of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
BIOGRAPHY
OCT 13, 2020 4:30 PM SGT

How to Improve HER2 testing Accuracy: Incorporating the 2018 ASCO/CAP Focused Update
Hadi Yaziji, MD

Medical Director Vitro Molecular Laboratorios Miami, FL
BIOGRAPHY
The mechanism of HER2 protein expression in tumors is primarily gene amplification, primarily enabled via the process of dimerization of HER2 receptors. Anytime there is a discrepancy, which is exceedingly rare, between protein and gene status, we rely more on the protein status rather than gene status for treatment purposes because the drug doesn’t target the gene. There are common misconceptions that low grade tumors, lobular, mucinous “tubular” tumors and tumors with incomplete membranous signal are always HER2 negative. Additionally, there is the misconception that most HER2-positive tumors are high grade. ASCO/CAP 2018 update moved closer to performing Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & FISH (Fluorescence) on all tumors and recommends the use of dual-probe instead of single-probe IHC assays. 2018 Guidelines swing the pendulum in the “negative results” direction. As this will not solve the dilemma of the “gray zone” group, we propose a 3-tier scoring of HER2 status as either positive, negative or low as this will not solve the dilemma of the “gray zone” group. Our QA program includes tumor analysis, nuclear score, tumor histological grade, IHC score and FISH score. Correlation with IHC and tumor histopathology and performing metrics is mandatory in order to improve HER2 testing accuracy.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of HER2 between the protein and gene status

Understand the role of IHC & FISH in breast cancer diagnosis
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
Liver Cancer
OCT 14, 2020 1:15 PM SGT

Update on Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Khaldoun Almhanna, MD, MPH

Gastrointestinal Oncology, Clinical Trials - Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
BIOGRAPHY
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that typically develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer Worldwide with a five-year survival of only 18%. The diagnosis of HCC can be difficult and often requires several imaging modalities and biopsies. It is important for tumors to be detected when they are < 2cm in size for an early diagnosis, prevention of stage progression and ultimately a favorable outcome. Surveillance plays a key role in early diagnosis while ultrasound and CT technologies scans have limitations. The tumor markers AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA may be useful in early diagnose of HCC. It has been shown that combining the use of the three markers improves sensitivity significantly and has the potential to change the outcome of patients with HCC. Practice guidelines for HCC are discussed for US (AASLD), Asia (APASL) and Japan (JSH). Several models that combine clinical features and HCC biomarkers in order to predict HCC are discussed: GALAD, MoRAL, ASAP. Integrating these biomarkers in HCC treatment pathways as a surrogate for treatment response or disease recurrence is extremely important for early diagnosis and change of outcome.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the challenge and clinical unmet needs when it comes to HCC screening

Understand the difference between using multi analytic panel approach vs one assay and how it impacts the accuracy of the results
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
OCT 14, 2020 1:45 PM SGT

Panel Discussion: Cancer Care in different regions and what are the current standard of care in Liver cancer - How ASAP model can help Liver cancer care in future

Pierce Chow, Eternity Labio, MD, Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD, P Nagaraja Rao

Pierce Chow
Senior Consultant and Co-Director (Surgical) of the Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic at the National Cancer Centre Singapore - Course Director at Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore
BIOGRAPHY

Eternity D. Labio, MD
Past President Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and Hepatologist, Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MMC).
BIOGRAPHY

Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
BIOGRAPHY

P Nagaraja Rao
Director at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & President (E) Indian National Association for the Study of Liver (INASL)
BIOGRAPHY
Pancreatic Cancer
OCT 14, 2020 2:30 PM SGT

Detection and Treatment Prediction of Pancreatic Cancer Using a Glycan Biomarker
Brian Haab, PhD

Professor, Van Andel Institute, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology
BIOGRAPHY
CA19-9 is widely known as being the best marker for pancreatic cancer having, on average, a 75% specificity and sensitivity. Three versions of a candidate biomarker related to CA 19-9 (sTRA), detected through screening via on-chip glycon profiling and their value in pancreatic cancer diagnosis are described. The distinct structural components of the sTRA versions, contrary to CA19-9, gives them a stem characteristic, indicating a potential role as subtype markers. Plasma levels of the biomarkers correlated with 45 matched samples, indicating the blood sample can be a good indicator of the primary tumor level. Combining the biomarkers together can detect more types of cancers than each alone, leading to improved sensitivity from 47% to 63%. Additionally, a statistically significant sensitivity increases over CA19-9 alone was noted in a blinded set. This is most rigorous validation so far of improvement upon CA 19-9 using upfront predefined thresholds and classification rules with statistically significant improvement. CA 19-9 provides prognosis value but lacks treatment prediction value. In contract, sTRA, demonstrates value for differentiating subtypes of cancers that is more resistant to chemo.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the gaps in pancreatic cancer screening and how to overcome those gaps

sTRA demonstrates differentiating value when compared to CA19-9
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
Prostate Cancer
OCT 14, 2020 3:15 PM SGT

Tumor Markers and Prostate Cancer Screening
Deliu Victor Matei, MD, PhD

Senior Deputy Director at the European Institute of Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
The use of biomarkers in screening and optimization of the diagnostic strategy may avoid unnecessary biopsies and improve the prostate biopsy performance. Screening for prostate cancer (Pca) may provide a small benefit in disease-specific mortality over 10 years but it does not improve overall mortality. These benefits should be weighed against the potential complications from biopsies and subsequent treatment, and the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. PSA, if used alone, is insufficient. Integration of genomic tests may advance the diagnosis of Pca. Prostate health index, 4 kallicrein score combining PSA isoforms improve the AUC in the diagnosis setting. The genomic rearrangement occurs in about 30-50% of prostate cancer patients having a specifity of 93% and a PPV of 94%. Mi prostate score combines PCA3 with TMPRSS2 ERG to estimate risk of Pca and thus to help decision making for prostate biopsy. miRNAs seems useful tools for diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcome of Pca patients. PSA screening has to be associated with the mpMRI in order to avoid un-necessary biopsies. The circulating tumor cells identification using immuno cyto chemistry techniques seems the most promising screening test but it needs further evaluation. Integration with genomic tests (such as micro RNA) might turn out imperative in the prediction of clinical outcome.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits of prostate cancer screening

Understand the benefits of multi analyte assay panel vs one assay panel
SEE ABSTRACT HIDE ABSTRACT
Ovarian Cancer
OCT 14, 2020 4:30 PM SGT

The Role of Serum Biomarkers in Estimating the Risk of Malignancy in an Adnexal mass: CA125 and Beyond

Kevin Holcomb, PhD

Associate Dean of Admission, Vice-Chair of Gynecology, Director of Gynecologic Oncology
BIOGRAPHY
Multiple Myeloma
OCT 14, 2020 5:00 PM SGT

Multiple Myeloma: Past, Present and Future
Kareem Azab, PhD

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis
BIOGRAPHY
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that is associated with low blood counts, bone and calcium disorders and infections. Despite advances in treatment in the past decade, the number of deaths associated with MM has not decreased. The pros and cons of bone marrow analysis are discussed: Cytogenetics (Next Gen. Sequencing), flow cytometry and FISH. Three markers and their interactions are used to identify MM cells by flow cytometry: CD138, the gold standard for detection, CD38 and CD45. CD138 is not a reliable marker because hypoxia leads to decreased expression and missed myeloma cells. The findings for a new model that can detect a new subset of myeloma with significant clonality using CD38 as a more specific marker for cell types other than MM cells are discussed. The definition and assessment of Minimal Residual Disease has changed the way we view therapeutic response in MM, and, with refinement, it can be a force to reform classifications, alter management paradigms, and identify those patients who may yet achieve a functional cure. There is no known way to detect circulating myeloma cells due to hypoxia. However, the new model is promising as it detected >80% of circulating cells, suggesting detecting myeloma without biopsies is possible using the right markers.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits and disadvantage of bone marrow analysis to diagnose Multiple Myeloma

Understand the role CD138 plays to improve Multiple Myeloma screening
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Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity - University of California, San Diego

BIOGRAPHY
Khaldoun Almhanna, MD, MPH

Gastrointestinal Oncology, Clinical Trials - Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

BIOGRAPHY
Kareem Azab, PhD

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis

BIOGRAPHY
Pierce Chow

Senior Consultant and Co-Director (Surgical) of the Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic at the National Cancer Centre Singapore - Course Director at Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore

BIOGRAPHY
Lori Denison, MS

Section Head, Administrative Business Systems - Mayo Clinic

BIOGRAPHY
Brian Haab, PhD

Professor, Van Andel Institute, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology

BIOGRAPHY
Sam Hanash, MD, PhD

Director, Department of Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

BIOGRAPHY
Kevin Holcomb, PhD

Associate Dean of Admission, Vice-Chair of Gynecology, Director of Gynecologic Oncology

BIOGRAPHY
Arjun Khanna

Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

BIOGRAPHY
Eternity D. Labio, MD

Past President Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and Hepatologist, Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MMC).

BIOGRAPHY
David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD

Clinical Associate Professor - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital

BIOGRAPHY
Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD

Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

BIOGRAPHY
Darren Wan Teck Lim

Senior Consultant, Associate Professor - Medical Oncology, Sing Health Research, Singapore

BIOGRAPHY
Pierre Massion, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee

BIOGRAPHY
Deliu Victor Matei, MD, PhD

Senior Deputy Director at the European Institute of Oncology

BIOGRAPHY
Shirley A. Mertz, MA, JD

President of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network

BIOGRAPHY
Jeffrey Peppercorn, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Cancer Survivorship Program

BIOGRAPHY
P Nagaraja Rao

Director at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & President (E) Indian National Association for the Study of Liver (INASL)

BIOGRAPHY
Hadi Yaziji, MD

Medical Director Vitro Molecular Laboratorios Miami, FL

BIOGRAPHY

Help

10 Million Reasons to Defeat Cancer - 2020 Abbott World Summit

Tala Al-Rousan, MD, MPH

Khaldoun Almhanna, MD, MPH

Kareem Azab, PhD

Pierce Chow

Lori Denison, MS

Brian Haab, PhD

Sam Hanash, MD, PhD

Kevin Holcomb, PhD

Arjun Khanna

Eternity D. Labio, MD

David Chi Leung Lam, MD, PhD

Sheng-Nan Lu, MD, MPH, PhD

Darren Wan Teck Lim

Pierre Massion, MD

Deliu Victor Matei, MD, PhD

Shirley A. Mertz, MA, JD

Jeffrey Peppercorn, PhD

P Nagaraja Rao

Hadi Yaziji, MD

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Assistant Professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity - University of California, San Diego

Gastrointestinal Oncology, Clinical Trials - Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis

Senior Consultant and Co-Director (Surgical) of the Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic at the National Cancer Centre Singapore - Course Director at Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore

Section Head, Administrative Business Systems - Mayo Clinic

Professor, Van Andel Institute, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology

Director, Department of Red and Charline McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Associate Dean of Admission, Vice-Chair of Gynecology, Director of Gynecologic Oncology

Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Past President Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and Hepatologist, Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MMC).

Clinical Associate Professor - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital - Honorary Consultant, Department of Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital

Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Senior Consultant, Associate Professor - Medical Oncology, Sing Health Research, Singapore

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee

Senior Deputy Director at the European Institute of Oncology

President of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Cancer Survivorship Program

Director at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & President (E) Indian National Association for the Study of Liver (INASL)

Medical Director Vitro Molecular Laboratorios Miami, FL

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