New NHS genomics lab to improve cancer diagnostics
The Royal Marsden Centre for Cancer Genomics is the first to offer composite biomarker testing for personalised treatment plans.
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The Royal Marsden Centre for Cancer Genomics has opened in London, marking a significant advancement in the NHS's approach to cancer diagnostics and treatment. This new facility is the first in the UK to offer composite biomarker testing, a method that integrates patient and tumour data with artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's cancer.
Personalised Treatment and Trial Access
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Over 27,000 individuals have waited more than two years for an assessment, according to NHS England data.
This innovative testing approach is designed to help clinicians develop more personalised treatment plans for NHS patients. It also aims to improve access to relevant clinical trials. By building a detailed picture of a patient's cancer, doctors can tailor therapies more effectively and adapt treatment strategies as the disease evolves. Professor Michael Hubank, scientific director of clinical genomics at the Royal Marsden, explained that future workflows will move beyond single tests to continuous monitoring, integrating multiple measurements like DNA, RNA, and protein data. AI will then create a specific score to guide treatment decisions and ongoing adjustments.
The centre will also play a role in evaluating emerging genomic technologies and identifying new targets for cancer therapies. Dr. Angela George, clinical director of genomics and consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden, stated that the lab will enable more patients to benefit from personalised treatment by increasing the number of tests that can be performed and exploring new targets. This includes utilising blood samples to detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which is particularly important for patients where a solid tumour cannot be easily accessed or is no longer present.
Elaine Nangle, a patient who has undergone treatment for stage 3 lobular breast cancer, shared her experience with a clinical trial utilising ctDNA testing. She described the reassurance provided by regular blood tests that can detect cancer recurrence before symptoms appear. Ms Nangle is participating in the TRAK-ER trial at the Royal Marsden, which involves personalised ctDNA testing every three months. She highlighted how this bespoke testing offers a greater chance of longer-term well-being.
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Future of Cancer Care
Professor Hubank indicated that future developments may include more widespread use of blood tests to monitor for tiny fragments of cancer in the bloodstream, building on positive results from clinical trials. This continuous monitoring allows for flexible treatment plans, potentially enabling patients to take breaks from toxic drugs if they are responding well, or intensifying treatment if the cancer changes. The Royal Marsden Centre for Cancer Genomics is positioned to assess these advancements and integrate them into routine NHS care.
Questions this report answers
+What is composite biomarker testing?
Composite biomarker testing combines information about a patient and their tumour with artificial intelligence (AI). This approach aims to build the fullest picture of a person’s cancer, enabling doctors to create more personalised treatment plans and identify suitable clinical trials for NHS patients.
+How will the new genomics lab improve cancer treatment?
The Royal Marsden Centre for Cancer Genomics will improve cancer treatment by offering composite biomarker testing for personalised plans and assessing new genomic technologies. It will allow for continuous monitoring of patients, adapting treatments as the cancer evolves and potentially using blood tests to detect recurrence.
+What is circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing?
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing involves looking for tiny fragments of cancer in a patient's bloodstream. Clinical trials have shown this method can effectively monitor patients to see if their cancer is returning, offering reassurance and allowing for timely treatment adjustments.
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