Dr. Todd Druley<\/strong> will discuss novel strategies for single molecule DNA and RNA sequencing as a modality for characterization of clonal hematopoiesis and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in cancer. Despite “deep sequencing,” next-generation platforms have an error rate of 0.5-1.0%, precluding straightforward sequencing for MRD, which requires sensitivity of <1:1,000. However, using a single molecule labeling strategy to correct sequencing errors, the Druley lab has published multiple studies identifying rare clonal mutations at levels as low as 1:10,000 from heterogenous DNA samples. His group is now moving this strategy into RNA sequencing to identify aberrant slice isoforms, allele-specific expression and cryptic fusions in addition to point mutations. The ultimate goal is to combine a toolbox of technologies for precise genomic characterization of individual cancers with machine learning to improve molecular diagnostics, risk stratification, therapeutic selection and outcomes for children with cancer. <\/p>\n