Pathology • August 1, 2025
The Pathology Department Cytogenetics Laboratory has brought in-house the ability to provide critical chromosome breakage testing for Fanconi Anemia (FA), previously established at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital. In June, the lab tested a sample from its first patient. The Pathology Department is one of the few laboratories in the country to have this expertise in diagnosing the disease. The lab includes testing, diagnostics, evaluation, and collected data. Click the header to learn more.
The laboratory’s recent expansion includes seven clinical machines such as latest generation Leica and Roche systems, as well as a cutting-edge Roche research discovery machine. This expansion allows the laboratory to enhance its diagnostic capabilities, streamline workflows, and decrease the turnaround time. The laboratory has recently validated an MDM2 in-situ hybridization assay, enabling more rapid and precise detection of MDM2 gene amplification in challenging soft tissue tumors. In addition, the FOLR1 immunohistochemistry assay is now available, supporting targeted therapy selection in gynecologic malignancies. They are also nearing completion of validation for Claudin-18, a promising biomarker for gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas with implications for targeted treatments.
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory has developed a Next Generation Sequencing assay designed for rapid and comprehensive analysis of key mutations associated with myeloid malignancies. The Ultra-Fast NGS Myeloid Panel was launched on July 7, 2025, and is already serving the needs of patients of the BIDMC Blood Cancer Program. Click the header to learn more.
The Pathology Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory recently launched a fully automated, ultra-fast diagnostic platform capable of detecting clinically important, actionable mutations in the EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS genes enabling unparalleled same-day results and precision cancer treatment for our patients. The system is real-time PCR-based and able to produce results in less than 3 hours, thus significantly reducing the time from diagnosis to treatment decisions. The laboratory is adding more ultra-rapid assays of key molecular markers to the test menu. Pathology is working closely with the Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center to develop new reflex testing algorithms for many cancer types.
Radiology • July 30, 2025
As reported by RSNA News, "The human brain develops shortcuts, or heuristics, to quickly process large amounts of information. While sometimes helpful, these cognitive processes can become biases that distort perceptions and lead to inaccurate judgments." According to a RadioGraphics article, which is based on the work of BIDMC Radiology Residency alumna Dr. Se-Young Yoon and current Emergency Radiology/Body MRI faculty member Dr. Karen Lee, "awareness of one’s own cognitive biases and their unintended effects can help radiologists prevent diagnostic errors." Click the header to read more.
Dr. Marwan Moussa, Vascular & Interventional Radiology, has been selected to receive a two-year, $200,000 American Heart Association (AHA) Innovative Project Award for his work entitled "Paradigm Shift in Primary Aldosteronism Management Utilizing Cell-Free DNA." The purpose of the Innovative Project Award is "to support highly innovative, high-impact research that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular research,” as stated by the AHA. Click the header to learn more.
