THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES
Understanding molecular mechanisms of hematologic disease, and developing a foundation in the principles of relevant molecular assays, is critical to providing appropriate patient care. Topics include bases of neoplastic disorders of the hematopoietic and lymphoid systems, how underlying molecular abnormalities contribute to the pathophysiology of these diseases, and the evolving spectrum of molecular and cytogenetic/FISH testing and other ancillary testing (such as flow cytometry), which are often utilized in the work-up of hematopoietic and lymphoid malignancies. Learn about strengths and weaknesses of these technologies, and how pathologists integrate results of molecular testing with the traditional histologic exam to produce accurate diagnoses and drive clinical decision making. Develop an understanding of how knowing the underlying molecular pathology of a hematopoietic or lymphoid malignancy can inform prognosis and guide therapy.
Topics
- bases of neoplastic disorders of the hematopoietic and lymphoid systems
- how underlying molecular abnormalities contribute to the pathophysiology of these diseases
- and the evolving spectrum of molecular and cytogenetic/FISH testing and other ancillary testing (such as flow cytometry)
- which are often utilized in the work-up of hematopoietic and lymphoid malignancies
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: MED SC-M 810 , 811 , 812 , and 813 Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe basic processes underlying normal hematopoiesis and lymphocyte development. Audience: Graduate 2. Apply basic principles, advantages, and limitations of the most common forms of ancillary testing in hematopathology, including flow cytometry, cytogenetics/FISH, and select molecular assays. Audience: Graduate 3. Explain types of molecular abnormalities observed in neoplasia and how these abnormalities contribute to neoplastic growth via various cellular pathways. Audience: Graduate 4. Describe the molecular basis, pathophysiology, and laboratory evaluation of known or suspected myeloid malignancies (including MDS, MPN, MDS/MPN, AML, and systemic mastocytosis) Audience: Graduate 5. Describe the molecular basis and pathophysiology of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and clonal cytopenia of uncertain significance (CCUS), and understand how these entities may complicate the molecular evaluation of suspected myeloid malignancies. Audience: Graduate 6. Describe the molecular basis, pathophysiology, and laboratory testing of lymphoid malignancies, including lymphoblastic lymphomas/leukemias and B-cell and T-cell lymphomas. Audience: Graduate 7. Describe the role of precision medicine and the utility of current and evolving targeted therapies in hematolymphoid disorders. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe basic processes underlying normal hematopoiesis and lymphocyte development. Audience: Graduate 2. Apply basic principles, advantages, and limitations of the most common forms of ancillary testing in hematopathology, including flow cytometry, cytogenetics/FISH, and select molecular assays. Audience: Graduate 3. Explain types of molecular abnormalities observed in neoplasia and how these abnormalities contribute to neoplastic growth via various cellular pathways. Audience: Graduate 4. Describe the molecular basis, pathophysiology, and laboratory evaluation of known or suspected myeloid malignancies (including MDS, MPN, MDS/MPN, AML, and systemic mastocytosis) Audience: Graduate 5. Describe the molecular basis and pathophysiology of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and clonal cytopenia of uncertain significance (CCUS), and understand how these entities may complicate the molecular evaluation of suspected myeloid malignancies. Audience: Graduate 6. Describe the molecular basis, pathophysiology, and laboratory testing of lymphoid malignancies, including lymphoblastic lymphomas/leukemias and B-cell and T-cell lymphomas. Audience: Graduate 7. Describe the role of precision medicine and the utility of current and evolving targeted therapies in hematolymphoid disorders. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027