Thuy Phung, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of molecular pathology and dermatopathology at USA Health, is spreading the word about USA Health’s in-house molecular profiling program for cancer treatment.
Phung, who also is an associate professor of pathology at the USA College of Medicine, recently presented a workshop at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) annual conference. She discussed the requirements for successful set-up and implementation of cancer molecular profiling at USA Health.
Molecular profiling quickly is becoming a critical tool in identifying genomic mutations that indicate a potential response to targeted cancer therapy. USA Health has partnered with Vancouver-based Canexia Health to bring oncology molecular capabilities in-house.
During the interactive virtual workshop, hosted by Canexia Health, Phung discussed how faster turnaround time and better management of patient data were among the advantages, as well as improved access to clinical trials, which enables precision oncology to be broadly accessible within community practices where most cancer patients are treated.
“I think we have put USA Health on the map in the molecular diagnostic world,” Phung said. “Some AMP attendees have already reached out to me about building their own in-house testing.”
The Association for Molecular Pathology advances the clinical practice, science and excellence of molecular and genomic laboratory medicine through education, innovation and advocacy. The society’s more than 2,500 members include pathologists, clinical laboratory scientists, technologists and clinicians.
