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Pathology Update 2025

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Roche Diagnostics Australia was thrilled to meet the industry in February

Roche Diagnostics Australia was thrilled to once again sponsor Pathology Update in 2025 and play a key role in advancing innovation in pathology. 

Given our Platinum sponsorship, this years' theme was quite aptly 'Excellence in Diagnosis'. Pathologists, Laboratory Managers, Clinical Researchers and Diagnostic Consultants gathered at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for three days, 21-23 February 2025 to learn more about Precision medicine transforming the patient experience

Delegates visiting the Roche booth were treated with our custom designed educational booth, drinks from the ‘Roche Café’  and a series of in-booth talks. Our distinguished speakers covered a range of topics relevant for deligates, including he exploring the transformative impact of liquid biopsy, advancements in predictive biomarkers for ovarian and rare cancers from a medical oncologist’s view, and the role of personalized pathology in gastric cancer, addressing key queries on comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests.

In-booth talk recordings

Transforming Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment with Liquid Biopsy

Dr. Douglas Mata discussed the transformative potential of liquid biopsy in oncology diagnostics over breakfast. Liquid biopsy emerged as a game-changing tool in precision medicine, offering minimally invasive solutions for detecting, monitoring, and guiding cancer treatment. This insightful session explored understanding the science behind liquid biopsy, including the analysis of ctDNA and other biomarkers from blood and fluid samples.

Attendees also learnt how liquid biopsy was transforming cancer care, enabling early detection, treatment monitoring, resistance identification, and real-time, non-invasive tumor assessments. Participants explored emerging technologies and research driving the integration of liquid biopsy into clinical practice and expanding access to precision medicine.

Transforming Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment with Liquid Biopsy
Speaker: Prof Gelareh Farshid

Dr. Douglas A. Mata, MD, MPH, Foundation Medicine

Dr. Douglas A. Mata is a distinguished pathologist dedicated to precision medicine, with roles at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His research is published in top journals, recognized by major news outlets, and he is an engaging speaker passionate about educating future healthcare professionals.

She is a Senior Consultant Pathologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a Clinical Professor at the Schools of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide. She represents Australia on the Board of the International Academy of Pathology and works closely with the United States Canadian Academy of Pathology as a member of the abstract review committee for Breast and as the incoming Moderator for the USCAP Breast Evening Specialty Conference for 2024-2027. In 2020 Gelareh was honored by admission into the International Skeletal Society.

Among other roles, Gelareh has is a member of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting for resected lymph nodes in breast cancer and series chair for the RCPA’s multidisciplinary expert group working on the Structured Reporting of Breast Cancer. She is a member of the RCPA Advisory Committee for Anatomical Pathology and a member of the RCPA Digital Pathology Expert group. Gelareh is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the ANZ BCT and of the ANZ Sarcoma Association.

She serves on the Board of Directors of PathWest. Gelareh combined full time clinical responsibilities with applied clinical research.

The evolving landscape of predictie biomarkers in Ovarian and Rare Cancers

Prof. Clare Scott explored the evolving role of predictive biomarkers in ovarian and rare cancers, offering insights from a medical oncologist’s perspective. Prof. Scott provided a unique blend of research-driven insights and clinical experience, offering valuable takeaways for healthcare professionals focused on advancing cancer care.

 

Talk topics included 'The significance of predictive biomarkers in guiding personalised treatment approaches', 'Emerging biomarkers in ovarian and rare cancers that are reshaping diagnostic and therapeutic strategies', 'Clinical challenges and opportunities in implementing biomarker-driven care for these complex cancers' and 'Future directions for integrating predictive biomarkers into precision oncology to improve patient outcomes'.

The evolving landscape of predictie biomarkers in Ovarian and Rare Cancers
Speaker: Prof Gelareh Farshid

Prof. Clare Scott, Professor of Gynaecological Cancer, Royal Women’s Hospital/Mercy

Prof. Clare Scott, an expert in gynecological oncology, specializes in ovarian cancer research and treatment. She leads a lab developing targeted therapies to overcome drug resistance and practices as a medical oncologist. Her work advances personalized treatment for breast and ovarian cancers, challenging traditional paradigms and improving patient outcomes.

She is a Senior Consultant Pathologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a Clinical Professor at the Schools of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide. She represents Australia on the Board of the International Academy of Pathology and works closely with the United States Canadian Academy of Pathology as a member of the abstract review committee for Breast and as the incoming Moderator for the USCAP Breast Evening Specialty Conference for 2024-2027. In 2020 Gelareh was honored by admission into the International Skeletal Society.

Among other roles, Gelareh has is a member of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting for resected lymph nodes in breast cancer and series chair for the RCPA’s multidisciplinary expert group working on the Structured Reporting of Breast Cancer. She is a member of the RCPA Advisory Committee for Anatomical Pathology and a member of the RCPA Digital Pathology Expert group. Gelareh is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the ANZ BCT and of the ANZ Sarcoma Association.

She serves on the Board of Directors of PathWest. Gelareh combined full time clinical responsibilities with applied clinical research.

Introduction to Foundation Medicine

Dr. Douglas Mata was joined by Dr. Mehlika Hazar Rethinam, PhD, Global Medical Lead, Roche Diagnostics Solutions, who led an interactive and informative session addressing the most common questions surrounding Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) tests. This session helped healthcare professionals better understand the utility, applications, and impact of CGP tests in precision oncology. Key topics included:

  • The role of CGP kits in identifying actionable mutations for personalized cancer treatment.
  • Best practices for incorporating CGP into clinical workflows, from testing to treatment decisions.
  • Frequently asked questions on CGP test accuracy, sample requirements, and turnaround times.
  • Case studies and real-world evidence demonstrating the value of CGP in optimizing patient outcomes.
Introduction to Foundation Medicine
Speaker: Prof Gelareh Farshid

Dr. Mehlika Hazar Rethinam, PhD, Global Medical Lead, Roche Diagnostics Solutions

Dr. Mehlika Hazar Rethinam, a PhD-trained biomedical scientist, advances precision oncology. She earned her PhD from the University of Queensland and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, pioneering liquid biopsy techniques. As Global Medical Lead at Roche Diagnostics, she drives medical education and innovation, improving patient outcomes with her inspiring expertise.

She is a Senior Consultant Pathologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a Clinical Professor at the Schools of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide. She represents Australia on the Board of the International Academy of Pathology and works closely with the United States Canadian Academy of Pathology as a member of the abstract review committee for Breast and as the incoming Moderator for the USCAP Breast Evening Specialty Conference for 2024-2027. In 2020 Gelareh was honored by admission into the International Skeletal Society.

Among other roles, Gelareh has is a member of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting for resected lymph nodes in breast cancer and series chair for the RCPA’s multidisciplinary expert group working on the Structured Reporting of Breast Cancer. She is a member of the RCPA Advisory Committee for Anatomical Pathology and a member of the RCPA Digital Pathology Expert group. Gelareh is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the ANZ BCT and of the ANZ Sarcoma Association.

She serves on the Board of Directors of PathWest. Gelareh combined full time clinical responsibilities with applied clinical research.

Once again We were proud to join on as platinum sponsors and collaborate with The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and the pathology community to shape the future of healthcare.