VIN DIAG300-0121: Oncology and Tumor Pathology Module 1

The lectures for this course will be presented in an audio format using a webinar platform.

Presenters: Phil Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology)
Craig A. Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. med. vet. habil. Matti Kiupel, PhD, DACVP
Rebecca Smedley, DVM, MS, DACVP
Course Open: January 20-March 12, 2021
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Wednesdays January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3, 2021; 8:00-10:00 pm ET (USA) World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 12
RACE Category: 12 hours Medical

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Course Information:
This course will familiarize participants with the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions. It will cover canine mast cell tumors, canine lymphoma, feline lymphoma, canine carcinoma from endocrine to recto-genital, and urogenital neoplasms.

The pathology segments will discuss the classical histologic criteria to diagnosis and prognosticate neoplastic diseases including the newest grading systems. Furthermore, the participants will be introduced to modern molecular pathology tests that further our prognostic capabilities and help determine therapeutic protocols, such as immunohistochemical tumor diagnostic and prognostic panels.

From the clinical oncology perspective, this course will familiarize the participants with the basic surgical aspects of veterinary oncology including routine staging of patients, proper aspirate and biopsy techniques as well as the preferred approach for a definitive surgery when appropriate. The remaining lectures are designed to highlight the etiology (with an emphasis on the latest research regarding genetic aspects of the specific tumor type) and typical signalment, clinical signs, staging, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis for specific histologies. A special emphasis will be provided on the latest research for each cancer type regarding the use of novel targeted therapies when appropriate.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to
  • submit high quality tumor biopsy samples for microscopic evaluation, margin evaluation, and advanced molecular testing from various organs.
  • recognize the current histologic grading schemes for the neoplastic entities discussed.
  • understand and integrate advanced molecular testing to determine tumor prognosis and for therapeutic decision making.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the indications for and differences between incisional and excisional biopsies.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the difference between staging and grading while also gaining an appreciation for general staging recommendations for canine mast cell tumors, canine and feline lymphomas, endocrine tumors, urogenital neoplasms, and canine carcinomas from endocrine to recto-anal.
  • recognize the etiology (with an emphasis on the latest research regarding genetic aspects of the specific tumor type) and typical signalment, clinical signs, staging, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis for canine mast cell tumors, canine and feline lymphomas, endocrine tumors, urogenital neoplasms, and canine carcinomas from endocrine to recto-anal.
  • demonstrate an appreciation for the latest research regarding the use of novel targeted therapies when appropriate.

Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VIN CE course will be open for enrollment to veterinarians actively interested in canine and feline oncology and tumor pathology.
RACE Accreditation: This course is approved for 12 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians. (RACE 20-763219)

Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session January 27, 2021): Tumor Pathology and Clinical Oncology Basics
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples for microscopic evaluation, margin evaluation, advanced molecular testing from various organs, the current histologic grading schemes for the neoplastic entities discussed, and advanced molecular testing.

Week 2 (Real Time Session February 3, 2021): Canine Mast Cell Tumors
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples and the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions for canine mast cell tumors.

Week 3 (Real Time Session February 10, 2021): Canine Lymphoma
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples and the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions for canine lymphoma.

Week 4 (Real Time Session February 17, 2021): Feline Lymphoma
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples and the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions for feline lymphoma.

Week 5 (Real Time Session February 24, 2021): Canine Carcinoma from Endocrine to Recto-anal
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples and the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions for canine carcinoma from endocrine to recto-anal.

Week 6 (Real Time Session March 3, 2021): Urogenital Neoplasms
This session will cover submitting high quality tumor biopsy samples and the current state of tumor diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic interventions for urogenital neoplasms.

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.

Enrollment is closed.

Tuition: Member $276 ($248 early bird special if enrolled by January 6, 2021)
Non-Member $413 ($372 early bird special if enrolled by January 6, 2021)
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*Enroll in both modules (DIAG300-0121 and DIAG301-0321) of the Oncology and Tumor Pathology course before January 27, 2021 and receive the discounted enrollment price: Member $469 Non-Member $702

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on January 27, 2021 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VIN's upcoming CE courses, check the VIN Course Catalog.

Katherine James, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
VIN Education Director

VIN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357