Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia RCPA

Structured pathology reporting of cancer (SPRC) protocols

The RCPA has published first edition structured pathology reporting of cancer (SPRC) protocols for three breast tumour specimen types and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms as well as the fifth edition carcinoma of the cervix protocol. These evidence-based and peer-reviewed cancer reporting templates support best practice pathology reporting that aligns with the latest international recommendations.

With the support of over 38 Australasian laboratories and cancer registries, the RCPA SPRC Software Trial is paving the way for local opportunities and building vital knowledge to drive adoption of digital reporting software. By gathering multi-stakeholder feedback from anatomical pathologists, clinicians, cancer registries and software vendors, the project aims to enhance the efficiency, usability and performance of the cancer reporting templates.

The overarching goal of the project is to elevate cancer reporting in Australia which is critical to support the highest level of patient cancer.

Pharmacogenomic indications in Australia

The RCPA has developed new resources in partnership with the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) to provide consensus-based guidance for Australian prescribers, pharmacologists and pathologists on drugs for which pharmacogenomic testing may be indicated.

This project, which was funded by Australian Genomics, provides clinicalindications for 35 medications for pharmacogenomic testing in Australia with the aim of improving medicine use by increasing efficacy and avoiding adverse reactions. Find out more about the RCPA’s Pharmacogenomics Project

The role of pharmacogenomics (PGx) and its groundbreaking impact on healthcare is also the topic of RCPA’s International Pathology Day 2024 event this year, which takes place on 6 November 2024.

International Pathology Day is an annual awareness day that aims to celebrate pathologists and scientists and highlight the pivotal role pathology plays in healthcare.

We'll be joined by leading experts in pharmacogenomic testing, who will discuss what's on the horizon for PGx testing, its rapid adoption around the world and how it is transforming patient care. We'll also hear from a patient firsthand about how pharmacogenomic testing helped improve their treatment.

Find out more and register for this year’s International Pathology Day. Participants can choose to attend in person in Sydney or join the event online.

2025 Pathology Update, RCPA ASM

Registrations are now open for RCPA’s annual scientific meeting, Pathology Update 2025, which takes place on 21-23 February 2025 in Melbourne and brings together the pathology community from around the world.

The theme for Pathology Update 2025 is ‘Excellence in Diagnosis’. From cutting-edge developments in neuropathology and the rapidly evolving world of genomics to health economics and the challenges and opportunities brought about by artificial intelligence, Pathology Update 2025 will provide insights from leading experts.

Over three days, we have nine scientific streams covering all the disciplines, plus a special stream dedicated to perinatal pathology. With 175 sessions, three plenary sessions, 172 speakers and 10 international speakers, and access to a host of industry sponsors and exhibitors, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to learn, explore the latest innovations in pathology, and connect with peers and leaders.

Applications are also open for several grants to attend Pathology Update 2025. In addition, Trainees can apply for a number of oral and e-poster Trainee prizes to present their work at the event. The Roche E-Poster Prize is open to all delegates.

Find out more about Pathology Update

RCPA Foundation award winners 2024

Strong research underpins the very fabric of healthcare and is an important part of our work at the RCPA. The RCPA Foundation actively invests in better health for future generations by supporting research and education in pathology to develop a greater understanding of the causes of disease.

We have announced the grant and award winners for 2024, and we look forward to seeing the findings and outcomes of their research and how it will benefit patient care in the future.

RCPA Foundation’s awards and grants round opens on 1 February each year and close on 30 June of the same year, and we welcome applications from the wider healthcare community.

Find out more about the grants and awards | Find out more about the RCPA Foundation