Development of a Microsatellite Instability Assay Utilizing Novel Long Repeats

Dr. Samantha Lewis will discuss the value of MSI as a biomarker and techniques to measure microsatellite instability. She will then describe the development of a new PCR assay to detect MSI in solid tumors utilizing a new 8-marker panel that includes both gold standard markers and novel long mononucleotide repeats for a research-based approach to maximize sensitivity. Dr. Lewis will demonstrate the utility of this novel panel by showcasing studies using difficult and degraded samples (ccfDNA and FFPE).

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate how mismatch repair deficiency causes microsatellite instability
• Recognize techniques to measure microsatellite instability
• Discuss why long mononucleotide markers may offer a different perspective on MSI