Aim of the course

The aim is to teach the students the principles of digital PCR (dPCR) with focus on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses, how to optimize and report ctDNA analyses as well as to test different dPCR platforms (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche) and discuss their pros and cons.

Content of the course

The course is part theoretical and part practical with lectures on

• Introduction to dPCR,
• Optimization of ctDNA analyses
• Sample QC strategies and controls
• dPCR platform presentations (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche)
• dPCR result analysis

In the practical part of the course, students will work in small groups together with an instrument application specialist on the different dPCR platforms (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche). Plasma DNA samples, in-house ctDNA assays and vendor assays will be analyzed enabling a head-to-head comparison of the different dPCR platforms.

Recommended knowledge for participation

The course is constructed and executed such that both participants with medical and science/technology backgrounds will benefit from the course. Basic knowledge of molecular biology, clinical cancer management, ctDNA, qPCR and/or dPCR will be benefit, but is not a requirement.

Application for participation

You must write a short application to be accepted for attending the course. This application shall state why the applicant wishes to attend, the level of background knowledge, and the purpose of taking the course. The size of the application is limited to 2500 characters (including spaces).  The purpose of the application is to enable prioritization of motivated applicants with urgent needs for the course.

Your application must be sent through the course registration here.

Register for the course

Registration deadline: September 18, 2023.

Course dates

Friday            October 27^th   17:00 – 19:00

Saturday        October 28^th 08:30 – 16:00

Sunday          October 29^th    08:30 – 13:00

Venue

Department of Pathology – section Næstved

Zealand University Hospital
Ringstedgade 79A, DK-4700 Næstved, Denmark

Accommodation

Hotel Kirstine
Købmagergade 20
4700 Næstved

ECTS points

1 ECTS, the full workload of the course is expected to be 25 hours

Language

English

Host

Roskilde University - The Doctoral School of Science and Environment

The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment

and

Zealand University Hospital – Department of Pathology

Coordinator

Niels Pallisgaard
Other teachers: Invited guest speakers and company representatives.

Price

PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University

Participation in the course including accommodation and meals is without cost for:

• PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University
• PhD-students enrolled at a Danish University
• PhD-students enrolled at partner universities of the Nordoc collaboration.
• PhD-students from other institutions in the open market agreement for PhD courses.
• Others: DKK 2.000
  
  

Number of participants

Maximum: 15

Minimum: 8

Questions?

Contact course administrator Anne Lorentzen:
Mail:  anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk
Phone: 78 45 53 39

ADDRESS FOR THE SECRETARIAT

Science Center Skejby, MOMA
Brendstrupgårdsvej 21, build. A
8200 Aarhus N

CONTACT

ctDNA@clin.au.dk
+45 78 45 53 39