Department of Pathology

We are a team of passionate, board-certified pathologists dedicated to diagnostic excellence. Our expertise spans anatomic, clinical, and molecular genetic pathology, with physician-scientists based in our state-of-the-art Boston Seaport and Cambridge laboratories as well as our established laboratories in Research Triangle Park, NC, and Penzberg, Germany.

Experience in Anatomic, Clinical, and Molecular Pathology

Our team comprises pathologists from renowned academic and medical institutions, including many who hold leadership positions within the Association for Molecular Pathology, College of American Pathologists, and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology. Many have over a decade of clinical experience in anatomic, clinical, and molecular genetic pathology, having trained at institutions with National Comprehensive Cancer Network-designated cancer centers. To date, our pathologists have reviewed over 1 million comprehensive genomic profiling reports, including both adult and pediatric cancer patients. This extensive experience allows us to provide the highest quality diagnostic services to patients worldwide.

Testing Oversight and Sample Optimization

Our core mission is to deliver exceptional patient care. Our laboratory directors are subspecialty trained and board certified in molecular genetic pathology, providing end-to-end oversight of testing for all patient samples. Every tissue specimen sent is reviewed under the microscope by an anatomic pathologist with molecular expertise prior to testing. In addition to reviewing each individual sample, our pathologists review the test requisition form, the pathology report, and any clinical notes, radiology reports, and/or laboratory results to confirm the diagnosis and assign a disease ontology for clinical reporting.

A critical aspect of the review is optimizing samples for successful sequencing, including determining tissue input requirements and whether to perform microdissection. We leverage cutting-edge microdissection techniques like precision needle-punch enrichment and microscope-guided razorblade enrichment to ensure the highest quality tumor tissue analysis for our FoundationOne^®CDx, FoundationOne^®Heme, and FoundationOne^®RNA tests ensuring that tumor nuclei cellularity and nucleic acid yield are optimized.

Interpretation, Reporting, and Consultation

After tissue or liquid biopsy sequencing is completed, every patient sample is individually carefully reviewed again by our pathologists, who integrate the provided clinical, radiologic, histomorphologic, and immunophenotypic data with the genomic data to deliver comprehensive reports focused on diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies to ensure every case delivered to a provider is accurate. A particular focus lies on providing discrete diagnoses for both difficult differential diagnoses and cancers of uncertain primary origin in collaboration with submitting surgical pathologists and oncologists. We adhere to the same meticulous approach to accuracy and quality for our immunohistochemistry testing.

Our pathologists are available to consult with physicians after report delivery and discuss the specific results of their patient’s testing, including the identified genomic alterations and their potential diagnostic significance as well as the implications of the findings for prognosis and treatment, including targeted therapies and clinical trials.

Research and Education

We are committed to advancing cancer care through research and education. Our team collaborates with healthcare institutions on cutting-edge clinical, translational, and basic science research, constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge. This collaborative environment has led to peer-reviewed publications in journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, and Journal of Clinical Oncology, significantly impacting personalized medicine by contributing evidence-based knowledge to the field.

To foster the next generation of pathology and oncology leaders, our department also actively participates in teaching and educating, thus providing valuable resources for referring providers who utilize our services. We also welcome pathology trainees, including those from Harvard, Duke, and the University of North Carolina residency and fellowship programs, offering them invaluable exposure to the field of molecular pathology.

The Foundation Medicine Pathology Department is a world leader in precision medicine and molecular genetic pathology. Through exceptional diagnostics, groundbreaking research, and dedication to education, we strive to improve the lives of patients worldwide.