Molecular diagnostics

Palga believes that the best treatment starts with the best diagnosis. Every patient in the Netherlands has the right to the best diagnosis. That's why Palga is committed to optimizing pathology diagnostics and reporting. The implementation of standard reporting (Synoptic Reporting) in pathology through national protocols is essential: for every patient, in every hospital in the Netherlands, the same information is collected and presented in a clear and organized manner. This ensures that every patient's discussion in the multidisciplinary meeting can proceed optimally.

National Protocol for Molecular Determinations

In addition to various histological protocols, a general protocol for molecular diagnostics has been developed by Palga in close collaboration with Molecular Biologists in Pathology and Pathologists. The further development of this protocol is managed by the Molecular Protocols Working Group.

Below you will find various items important for the proper use of this national Protocol.

Molecular Determinations Protocol Manual

Each protocol has a manual.

This manual discusses all screens. There is also an extensive overview of the ADMIN screens in the Protocols Control Panel (PCP-mode) where all (default) settings, panels, etc., can be set. Setting these settings is best done by a molecular analyst or KMBPer.

Updates are also included in this manual.

Besides this manual, there is also a concise guide for entering the protocol in UDPS.

XML File for NGS Import

The PALGA Protocol Module (PPM) features an import option, developed among other things for importing NGS data for the Molecular Determinations protocol. For this, the VCF file needs to be converted into the format of this XML file.

Datasheets

In PCP-mode, you have the option to specify your datasheets, as shown below in PCP mode.

These datasheets can be placed on a separate part of the Palga website. Each laboratory has its own section where datasheets can be posted. The created link can be included in PCP mode. You can then include the link in the report if desired. A manual is available for uploading. The private section is secured with a username and password. These can be requested from Paul Seegers; paul.seegers@palga.nl

The PATH Project

Predictive Analysis for Therapy: PATH to optimal accessibility of precision medicines for cancer patients. Precision medicines are a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. The major challenge is to predict which patients will benefit from these generally expensive drugs and which will not. All involved parties see DNA analysis of tumor tissue as a crucial tool for this. The rapid technological developments and complexity of this diagnostics require a coordinated approach to ensure that this form of healthcare is accessible to everyone and of the highest possible quality.

For more information, go to the PATH project website: https://www.netwerk-path.nl/