NHS trial finds new test boosts care for children with cancer
A top cancer doctor in the south says it's exciting research
Last updated 2nd Jul 2024
A leading cancer doctor in the south has called a new test that could lead to improved care for children with the disease 'exciting'.
An NHS trial has found the test, called whole genomic sequencing, could replace a multitude of other, more invasive tests.
It works by analysing the entire genetic code of a patient's tumour and identifies every single cancer-causing mutation.
Dr Richard Roope, from Wessex Cancer Alliance based in Southampton and caring for patients across Hampshire, Dorset and South Wiltshire, told us the treatment process can be sped up as a result.
"They're getting their diagnosis quicker, which then allows them to enter treatment quicker and that's likely to improve the outcomes," he said.
Dr Roope added: "But also having found that genetic mutation advice can be given about testing for brothers or sisters, or whether the family are going to want to have further children and things like that."
He continued, saying: "It's really exciting times because what it's going to allow it to happen and we're beginning to see this already is what we call personalised treatment. So rather than using a sort of a carpet bombing technique, to use a warfare analogy, we can now use a precision missile to target that particular problem in that particular patient."
It means that two people with the same cancer might receive different treatments as a result of genomic sequencing.
Instant boosts in care were found during trial
The trial was carried out by researchers at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
They studied 281 children with solid tumours and leukaemia, who had biopsies of their tumour or other samples taken.
Whole genome sequencing was found to boost immediate care for 7% of children as well as giving the benefits of current techniques and providing results quicker.
In almost a third (29%) of all cases, genome sequencing also delivered information which went beyond the standard tests.
In some cases, unexpected mutations were found that increased the risk of cancer in the future, meaning a child may be offered regular scans to check for cancer as they age.
Dr Jack Bartram, senior author from Great Ormond Street and the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service, said the test gives "all of the information up front in a very short space of time", with results back in as little as 10 days.
Dr Bartram said: "The beauty of this is that you get all of that information up front so you don't have to pick from your shopping list of tests."
Currently, doctors go through a range of tests until reaching the genetic driver for a tumour.
Dr Bartram added that even though genomic sequencing has been around for some time, the results of the trial showed the test should now be used routinely in clinical practice.
"Our hope is that every child has this test carried out at diagnosis across the country so it improves their outcomes," he said.