College of American Pathologists

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (October 18, 2024)— Pathology data generated for each cancer diagnosis are poised to drive groundbreaking advancements in patient care, research, public health, population science, and quality improvements. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Future of Cancer Data Summit: Harnessing the Power of Pathology Data will convene today at the Wynn Las Vegas.

“This summit marks a pivotal moment in cancer diagnostics,” shared M.E. de Baca, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Council on Informatics and Pathology Innovation. “By bringing together diverse experts from across the cancer care spectrum, we foster innovation and collaboration that leads to better patient outcomes.”

This diverse group of cancer care leaders including pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, cancer registrars, laboratory information system vendors, and public health professionals, will explore how optimizing the capture, access, and use of pathology data can accelerate advancements that improve clinical care. Speakers at the Summit include:

• Mark A. Lewis, MD, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, UT
• Jeffrey Gershenwald, MD, Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
• Paul Seegers, Sr. Advisor & Administrator, National Pathology & Molecular Protocols, Palga Foundation, Netherlands
• Michael A. Berman, MD, FCAP, Pathologist (Retired) UPMC
• Mary Edgerton, MD, PhD, FCAP, Professor, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
• Veronica Klepeis, MD, PhD, FCAP, Assistant in Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, and Instructor in Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
• Aaron Pollett, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Ontario Health
• John Groth, MD, FCAP, Pathologist & Director of Informatics, Innovation and Technology, Endeavor Health, Evanston, IL
• W. Scott Campbell, PhD, MBA Associate Professor, Peter C. Hinrichs Endowed Chair of Informatics, Director of Public Health Laboratory Informatics and Pathology Laboratory Informatics, Department of Pathology/Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
• Eric Daley, MS, PA (ASCP), Senior Clinical Product Manager, Cancer Protocols and Data Standards, College of American Pathologists, Northfield, IL
• Alex Goel, MI, CEO & Founder, Topology Health, Toronto, Canada
• Sandy Jones, Public Health Advisor, Cancer Surveillance Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
• Alison Van Dyke, MD, PhD, Medical Officer—Research, Data Quality, Analysis, and Interpretation Branch, Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD

The summit will explore key topics including:

• The evolution of cancer reporting and data collection
• Emerging technologies in cancer data management
• The role of artificial intelligence in pathology
• Strategies for improving data interoperability

The Importance of Electronic Synoptic Pathology Reporting

Electronic Synoptic Pathology Reporting relies on a system of structured, standardized templates, also known as the CAP electronic Cancer Protocols, with predefined choices for documenting uniquely identified pathology findings.

Synoptic reporting standardizes report outputs, minimizing variability and enabling healthcare providers, such as surgeons and oncologists, to accurately interpret information. This enhances clinical decision support when recommending treatment options. Additionally, structured data capture supports efforts for seamless data sharing across healthcare

The adoption of synoptic reporting in pathology is rising due to its many benefits which are:

• Enhancing data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and interoperability across systems and institutions.
• Promoting collaboration and making large datasets available for research, especially in population health and cancer registries.

Participants will also delve into a variety of key topics shaping the future of cancer diagnostics and treatment. “Attendees will be able to engage with thought leaders, participate in interactive discussions, gain insights into the latest advancements in cancer data management, and join post-event workgroups to further data initiatives,” explained Dr. de Baca.

About the College of American Pathologists 

As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.