Letters, 4/14

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Lisa M. McShane, PhD National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md.

References

1. Wolff AC, Hammond ME, Hicks DG, et al. Recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing in breast cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists clinical practice guideline update. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(31):3997–4013.
2. Wolff AC, Hammond ME, Hicks DG, et al. Recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing in breast cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists clinical practice guideline update. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2014;138(2):241–256.
3. Cristofanilli M. HER2 guideline won’t deter genomic testing [Voices]. Oncology Times. 2014;36(1):18–19 (http://journals.lww.com/oncology-times/Fulltext/2014/01100/VOICES__HER2_Guideline_Won_t_Deter_ Genomic_Testing.17.aspx).
4. Boltz K. Guideline update leaves out novel tests in breast cancer. Oncology Nurse Advisor. 2014 (www.oncology  nurseadvisor.com/guideline-update-leaves-out  novel-tests-in-breast-cancer/article/337967/).
5. Genomic Health Inc: Quantitative single-gene scores. http://breast-cancer.oncotypedx.com/en-US/Professional-Invasive/WhatIsTheOncotypeDXBreastCancerTest/QuantitativeSingleGeneScores.aspx.
6. Teutsch SM, Bradley LA, Palomaki GE, et al. The Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) initiative: methods of the EGAPP Working Group. Genet Med. 2009;11(1):3–14.
7. Micheel CM, Nass SJ, Omenn GS, eds. Evolution of Translational Omics: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward. Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine, The National Academies Press; 2012 (www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Evolution-of-Translational-Omics.aspx).
8. Agendia Inc: MammaPrint Sample Report. www.agendia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AGE594_US_Mamma_Under61_lowV2_UPDATED.pdf.
9. Drukker CA, van Tinteren H, Schmidt MK, et al. Long-term impact of the 70-gene signature on breast cancer outcome. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014;143(3):587–592.
10. Drukker CA, Bueno-de-Mesquita JM, Retel VP, et al. A prospective evaluation of a breast cancer prognosis signature in the observational RASTER study. Int J Cancer. 2013;133(4):929–936.
11. Knauer M, Mook S, Rutgers EJ, et al. The predictive value of the 70-gene signature for adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010;120(3):655–661.
12. Agendia Inc: BluePrint Sample Report. www.agendia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AGE594_US_BP_ERBB_v5_UPDATED.pdf.

Ordering prognostic studies

In regard to the question whether the diagnosing pathologist may order prognostic studies (Q&A, March 2014), I respectfully disagree with the hospital compliance officer and with Jane Pine Wood. These markers are not only prognostic but also critical components of the diagnosis. The CAP’s cancer protocols and the required synoptic reporting list prognostic studies as part of the report. It has become part of the diagnosis to include prognostic parameters in these cases. Moreover, often the best time to do these studies is at the time of initial diagnosis. In addition, an initial treating physician may not think to order these studies, but if the patient is referred to another physician, that physician might need them to best treat the patient. It seems to me that some rules and regulations stand in the way of doing what is in the best interest of the patient, and I believe this is a case of that.

Arthur H. Mensch, MD, Pathologist, West River, Md.

CAP TODAY online

In the past, I was not too impressed with my monthly e-mail about the newest CAP TODAY issue. I would click a link and it took me to the whole magazine. I’m not sure when you changed the way that e-mail works—I’ve probably been avoiding clicking the links because of my previous experience. However, I clicked the links in my notification e-mail today, and was I impressed! I absolutely loved being able to click the article title, and the link taking me directly to my point of interest. Congratulations on a job well done.

Brenda L. M. Franks, MT(ASCP) POCT Coordinator Methodist Hospital Pathology Omaha, Neb.
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