Speaker: Andrew Bellizzi
Description:
This webinar provides a practical, pathology-focused overview of predictive biomarker testing in esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancers. The lecture reviews the contemporary treatment landscape and explains how biomarker testing should be matched to tumor type, disease setting, specimen selection, and therapeutic indication.
Particular emphasis is placed on the analytic and interpretive challenges of HER2, mismatch repair proteins, PD-L1, and claudin 18 immunohistochemistry, including assay validation, scoring systems, heterogeneous expression, unusual staining patterns, and potential diagnostic pitfalls. Emerging biomarkers and the role of next-generation sequencing are also discussed.
The lecture concludes with practical strategies for implementing reflex testing programs that improve turnaround time, conserve tissue, and promote equitable access to biomarker-directed therapy.
At the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify the predictive biomarkers currently relevant to gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, including HER2, PD-L1, mismatch repair status, and CLDN18.2.
- Select appropriate testing methodologies, tissue specimens, and testing sequences for predictive biomarker evaluation in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.
- Apply current scoring criteria and interpretive thresholds for HER2, PD-L1, and CLDN18.2 immunohistochemistry.
- Recognize common preanalytic, analytic, and interpretive pitfalls that may affect biomarker results and treatment eligibility.