Revolutionizing Cancer Care: Integration of Genomic and Clinical Data in Precision Oncology

This study, published in Nature Medicine and led by institutions like Genomics England, NHS England, and Queen Mary University of London, marks a significant advancement in cancer care. It demonstrates how integrating whole genome sequencing (WGS) with clinical data can personalize cancer treatment, tailoring it to individual patient needs. The research analyzed over 30 types of tumors from more than 13,000 cancer patients in the 100,000 Genomes Project, finding genetic changes linked to survival rates and patient outcomes.

Key findings include:

• Over 90% of brain tumors and more than half of colon and lung cancers exhibited genetic alterations affecting treatment.
• In more than 10% of sarcomas and ovarian cancers, critical DNA changes and inherited risks were identified, impacting clinical care.
• The study revealed patterns across cancers, helping predict treatment responses and patient outcomes.

The research underscores the importance of combining genomic and clinical data at scale for healthcare professionals to optimize treatment decisions. It highlights the potential of genomic medicine in mainstream healthcare, mainly through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service. This approach facilitates better predictions and management of cancer treatments and supports the ongoing development of precision oncology, moving away from the ‘one size fits all’ method in cancer care.

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[Source: Technology Networks, January 11th, 2023]