October 2021 Bulletin

This issue focuses on cancer care and details the varied roles of pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this article, Dr Kendall and Dr Robinson discuss the challenges facing pathologists and the opportunities for improving patient care.

As Professor Antonio Pagliuca approaches his first anniversary as Anthony Nolan’s Chief Medical and Scientific Advisor, he reflects on the challenges the charity has faced as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAR-T therapy is a revolutionary treatment that redirects immune cells to treat cancer. However, despite significant advances in the field, CAR-T therapy remains associated with numerous clinical and laboratory challenges.

Haematological malignancies are a diverse group of diseases, collectively forming a large proportion of all cancers. The Specialist Integrated Haematological Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) model is one of the keys to personalised therapy in blood cancers. Here, we learn more about the successes and challenges of SIHMDS.

Through the new Genomic Medicine Service and to capitalise on the success of the 100,000 Genomes Project, NHS England has commissioned clinical testing pathways to be the first national healthcare system to offer whole genome sequencing in routine care for cancer patients.

Genomic healthcare will affect all areas of medicine. Pathologists will need to keep on top of new technological developments and training requirements to make the best use of genomic testing.

A standardised approach to biopsy reporting is not always the most efficient. In the case of prostate cancers, individual variability and inherent biopsy sampling error means that personalised and pragmatic data collection may be more effective.

While rates of cervical cancer have decreased successfully in past decades, there are still many challenges in continuing this trend. Key to this is sound decision-making based on data, highlighting why population screening is so critical.

An innovative project, led by The University of Manchester in collaboration with the National School of Healthcare Science, seeks to create a new educational programme in clinical data science with the health and social care workforce.