Introduction to Molecular Tumor Boards and Precision Oncology

Precision oncology is transforming cancer care, making the ability to interpret molecular data essential for modern healthcare professionals. This course introduces you to the collaborative world of Molecular Tumor Boards, where genomic insights are translated into personalized patient treatment plans. You will gain a clear understanding of cancer genomics, learn how to navigate molecular pathology reports, and discover how multidisciplinary teams evaluate complex genetic variants to guide targeted therapies. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental principles of cancer genomics, including somatic mutations and next-generation sequencing; Analyze the structure, roles, and decision-making processes of a multidisciplinary Molecular Tumor Board; Interpret molecular pathology reports to identify actionable genetic alterations; Evaluate modern biomarkers such as tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and liquid biopsy data; Apply variant classification guidelines to distinguish pathogenic alterations from variants of uncertain significance; Explore clinical case studies to understand how genomic data informs targeted therapy selection. The course begins with foundational definitions of genomic medicine and basic oncogenic pathways before progressing through the mechanics of molecular testing and collaborative clinical workflows. This text-only program is designed for medical students, oncology trainees, researchers, and healthcare professionals new to cancer genomics, requiring no advanced prior genetics training. Start reading today to master the essentials of genomic decision-making in modern oncology.