Bridging the Gap: Practical Solutions for Somatic Testing in Prostate Cancer
Date: Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 1pm – 2:30pm Eastern Time
Host & Moderator
Carol C. Cheung MD, PhD, JD, FRCPC
Deputy Director, Canadian Biomarker Quality Assurance
Speaker
Soufiane El Hallani
Dr. Soufiane El Hallani is a board-certified Molecular and Anatomical Pathologist in Alberta Precision Labs and an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. He leads the research and development in the provincial molecular pathology program to integrate innovative molecular applications in the practice of pathology. Dr. El Hallani is a strong advocate for the adoption of genomics in the modern practice of pathology to achieve the vision of Precision Health, improve cancer detection and patient care.
Susan Prendeville
Dr Susan Prendeville is a urologic pathologist and director of the urologic pathology fellowship at University Health Network, Toronto, and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. She completed residency training in Ireland followed by subspecialty fellowship in urologic pathology at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include biomarker and pathology classification in prostate and renal cancer.
Tracy Stockley PhD, FCCMG, FACMG
Scheme Director, Canadian Biomarker Quality Assurance
Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology
University Health Network, Toronto
Stockley is a molecular geneticist and Director of Hereditary Genomics in the Genome Diagnostics Division at University Health Network in Toronto. At UHN, Dr. Stockley participates in overseeing genetic testing for oncology, including hereditary cancer, companion diagnostics and the development of genomic tests for emerging biomarkers. Dr. Stockley has research and clinical interests in improving quality assurance in high-complexity laboratory testing, and engages in quality activities with multiple national and international organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Biomarker Quality Assurance program, the College of American Pathologists, Association for Molecular Pathology, the European Molecular Quality Network and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In addition, Dr. Stockley is a Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, and is a past President of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG). Dr. Stockley is also a cancer survivor with a personal interest in patient support and engagement in research.
Brief Description
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men worldwide, with growing recognition of the role that inherited and acquired genetic alterations play in its development and progression. Among these, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, best known for their association with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, have emerged as important factors in prostate cancer risk, aggressiveness, and treatment response. This presentation will provide an overview of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation analysis in prostate cancer, highlighting the variety of specimen types, molecular alterations, methods of detection, and clinical implications for patient management.
Learning Objectives
- To explain the different types of molecular alterations and methods in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation analysis.
- To review the differences between germline and somatic testing approaches and their impact on patient management and genetic counseling.
- To discuss the advantages and challenges of testing tumor tissue versus liquid biopsy in prostate cancers.