1. Biomarker Types & Molecular Diagnostics

• Molecular pathology and blood-based biomarkers
• Liquid profiling/liquid biopsy
• ctDNA, CTCs, epigenetics, fragmentomics
• Protein-based markers, tumor markers
• Extracellular vesicles and associated markers
• Immune diagnostics

2. Clinical Applications & Cancer Management

• Biomarkers for solid and hematological cancers
• Early cancer detection and screening
• Prognostic and predictive biomarkers
• Monitoring of therapy response and toxicity
• Minimal residual disease detection
• Targeted and immune therapies, cancer vaccines

3. Technology & Innovation

• Technological breakthroughs
• Genomics, proteomics and metabolomics
• Multimodal and integrative diagnostics
• Imaging technologies
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Advanced biostatistics and algorithms

4. Research, Trials & Standardization

• Clinical biomarker trials
• Evidence-based medicine (EBM)
• Standardization and harmonization
• Biomarker validation and IVDR regulation
• Biobanking and sample collections
• Personalized medicine

Chairs: H. v. Rossum / M. Kowalewska

This workshop aims to try to start the process of founding a ISOBM young scientist group. In the workshop a start is made with drafting the needs of the young scientists, the envisioned aims and activities of ISOBM Young Scientist group and how ISOBM can/should support this.

Chair: A. Wutte

This workshop is aimed at clinicians and biomedical scientists who contribute their biospecimens and data to research. It explores the application of BBMRI-ERIC best practices, such as the use of international standards for biobanking practices and pre-analytical standards, participation in proficiency testing, BBMRI-ERIC audit program and the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. Practical examples will be presented and encouraged for discussion. The workshop aims to inspire participants to use some of these tools to enhance the research value of their clinical work.

1. International standards for biobanking and pre-analytical standards for sample processing
2. Hands on ISO 20387 General requirements for biobanking (International Standard) - what does this mean for my clinical practice and research?
3. Discussion

Chairs: F. Klawonn / P. Oehr

Statistical validation of biomarkers or combinations of biomarkers in the form of statistical or machine learning models requires a clear plan and workflow. On the one hand, suitable statistical measures like AUC, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values must be considered and chosen. On the other hand, the target population must be defined which might not follow the same distribution as the data in the sample. Training and validation of models for the combination of biomarkers must avoid the problem of data leakage. The workshop will address this issue and discuss approaches to tackle these problems.

Chairs: M. Chechlinska / G. Ricci

Publishing in a reputable journal is highly competitive, but understanding key aspects of the submission process can significantly enhance your chances of success. This workshop provides essential guidance on what to consider before submitting your manuscript (including the conception of the manuscript and abstract), outlines the steps that follow submission, and explains the possible editorial outcomes and how to respond appropriately. It concludes with strategies to help ensure your published article achieves meaningful impact.

Chairs: M. Pfaffl / K. Menck

„Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as essential mediators of intercellular communication and hold great promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the clinics and for various cancer types. This workshop, hosted by the GSEV, explores the latest advances in EV research, focusing on methodologies, pre-analytical variables, MISEV guidelines and clinical translation to cancer.

• Kerstin Menck will provide a comprehensive introduction to EV research, offering practical guidance for newcomers navigating this complex and
  evolving field. Furthermore, she will introduce the ISOBM & GSEV Working Group.
• Michael Pfaffl will present an analysis pipeline for identifying exosomal microRNA biomarker signaturesfrom liquid biopsies, with emphasis on their
  diagnostic potential in molecular diagnostics.
• Evelyn Hammer will discuss the application of EV-based liquid biopsies in breast cancer, detailing the translational journey from concept development
  to clinical implementation.

Together, these presentations offer a cohesive overview of current EV methodologies and their relevance in precision diagnostics.“

Chairs: J. Adler / I. Trulson

„The workshop aims to discover the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Machine Learning (ML) for every step of an oncological research project. In this two-hour hands-on workshop, we want to

• show the essentials of prompting, literature research, and critical appraisal of LLM output;
• formulate a specific research question and analyse the data with both supervised and unsupervised ML methods;
• import an example medical data set into R and see how LLMs accelerate data preparation, visualisation, and script-writing;
• or use and evaluate leading LLM research assistants;
• debate the results—benefits, limitations and pitfalls—in a live group discussion.“

Chairs: H. van Rossum / M. Moore

This workshop will provide an overview of the steps necessary to develop an International Reference Preparation for clinical tests. Furthermore, work done by the ISOBM and IFCC working group on tumor marker harmonization will be presented including the envisioned steps toward increasing the harmonization of CEA and C 15-3 and other tumor markers. Finally, some intermediate results of a global questionnaire on clinical tumor marker practices will be shared and discussed on how to increase the harmonization of tumor marker reporting and transparency on tests/measurement procedures used to obtain tumor marker results.

Chair: I. Indave

„The half-day EBP Workshop will focus on the practical implementation of the evidence-based medicine approach to Pathology applying structured assessments an tools. 

The workshop is intended for anyone interested in implementing or scaling up EBP in their professional practice, including Pathologists, Researchers, Oncologists, Laboratory specialists, etc. from a variety of settings, e.g. primary care, pathology or laboratory services, other oncology and health departments, research institutions, and international bodies.

The event will showcase good practice and tools for EBP, highlighting key research, challenges and learnings from the Evidence-based medicine movement in a collaborative coaching environment, with the aim of supporting participants to develop or enhance their own way of applying EBP. „

„PART 1: 1. Basics of Evidence-based Pathology (EBP) , 2. Tools and methods for EBP , 3. Interactive discussions and practical demonstrations of EBP tools“

Chairs: V. Haselmann / A. Bronkhorst

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the development and clinical implementation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) biomarker tests in cancer management. We will explore the spectrum of cfDNA features, including genetic and epigenetic alterations, that serve as cancer biomarkers, and examine the range of technologies and analytical methods used for their detection. The session will highlight how analytical approaches have evolved over time, discuss recurring pitfalls and technical challenges that continue to shape the field, address aspects of assay validation and requirements for quality control, and critically assess the current clinical landscape. By integrating both technological and translational perspectives, this workshop aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and limitations of cfDNA biomarker testing in oncology.

Chairs: ISOBM Board

The workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore both the opportunities and challenges in biomarker research and their clinical applications, in dialogue with leading experts and members of the ISOBM Board. Participants will have the chance to address general considerations as well as practical issues and unmet needs, while also engaging in networking, initiating collaborative projects, and discussing educational strategies. Interdisciplinary exchange and interactions with industry partners are strongly encouraged.

Chair: I. Indave

„The half-day EBP Workshop will focus on the practical implementation of the evidence-based medicine approach to Pathology applying structured assessments an tools.

The workshop is intended for anyone interested in implementing or scaling up EBP in their professional practice, including Pathologists, Researchers, Oncologists, Laboratory specialists, etc. from a variety of settings, e.g. primary care, pathology or laboratory services, other oncology and health departments, research institutions, and international bodies.

The event will showcase good practice and tools for EBP, highlighting key research, challenges and learnings from the Evidence-based medicine movement in a collaborative coaching environment, with the aim of supporting participants to develop or enhance their own way of applying EBP. „

„PART 2: 1. Best Practice of Evidence-based Pathology (EBP), 2. Practical Support, 3. Small group discussions“

Chairs: C. Uhlig, K. Worf

The development of robust NGS pipelines in liquid biopsy is less a purely technical problem than a strategic challenge characterized by practical hurdles and the need for constant method evaluation. This interactive workshop therefore serves as a forum to discuss these real-world pain points, from reproducibility to tool selection, from a researcher‘s perspective. The aim is to facilitate a moderated exchange of experiences that not only provides participants with possible solutions, but also raises new, critical questions for the design of their own workflows.