April 2021 Bulletin

As the College’s new Vice President for Communications and Genomics Lead, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the Bulletin’s special edition on genomic medicine.

Genomics has long been important in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological malignancies. Now, advanced diagnostic technologies promise to improve outcomes not just for haematological patients, but all patients with cancer.

By sequencing whole genomic data from NHS patients, the 100,000 Genomes Project seeks to transform the clinical treatment of cancer and rare disease.

The NHS’s National Genomic Test Directory has been launched in England. With it comes DPYD gene testing, an important example of pharmacogenomics in cancer care that moves us another step closer to personalised medicine.

To successfully deliver the Genome UK strategic vision, the pathology workforce must receive the training necessary to integrate genomic information with morphological pathology.

This article highlights key opportunities and challenges to integrating the genomic medicine vision and data analytics with consolidated frontline laboratory medicine networks to maximise benefits for patients and deliver the promise of precision medicine.