A new era of genome-based personalised medicine for cancer could be in place within five years under plans unveiled by the Chief Medical Officer.

The genomics dream outlined by Professor Dame Sally Davies would see millions of patients having all their DNA tested as genome sequencing becomes as routine as MRI or CT scans.

Ultimately, the future goal is for every cancer patient to have his or her whole genome sequenced, making the procedure as standard as blood tests and biopsies. People with rare diseases are also expected to benefit from having greater access to the technology, ending the years-long diagnostic odyssey of multiple tests and visits to different specialists.Whole genome sequencing involves unscrambling the entire book of genetic instructions that make us what we are, encompassing 3.2 billion letters of code.

Research suggests that in 60 per cent of cases, the genomes of cancer patients reveal actionable data personal mutations that can shape future treatment.

Tens of thousands of NHS patients have already had their DNA mapped, but the recommendations set out in Dame Sallys Generation Genome report aim to multiply the numbers many times over.

Dame Sally said: The age of precision medicine is now and the NHS must act fast to keep its place at the forefront of global science .

This technology has the potential to change medicine forever but we need all NHS staff, patients and the public to recognise and embrace its huge potential.

Genomic medicine has huge implications for the understanding and treatment of rare diseases, cancer and infections.

Currently, genetic testing of NHS patients in England is conducted via 25 regional laboratories and a plethora of smaller units operating along the lines of a cottage industry, Dame Sally said.

Her chief recommendation is to centralise all the labs and establish a national network providing equal access to the tests across the country.

Within government, a new National Genomics Board would be set up, chaired by a minister, to oversee the expansion and development of genomic services, taking into account new advances within the rapidly evolvingtechnology.

The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said he welcomed the report, pointing out that the UK had established itself as a world leader in genomics medicine. He added: Tens of thousands of patients across the country have already benefited from quicker diagnosis, precise treatment and care, and we will support the NHS to continue its relentless drive to push the boundaries of modern science.

Part of what made greater access to whole genome sequencing feasible was the rapidly falling cost of the tests, which has dropped from several thousand pounds to 680.

Reporting by John von Radowitz, Press Association

Achieving the genomics dream could make a huge difference to the 3.5 million adults and children with one of the 7,000 recognised rare diseases that could be treated far more quickly and more effective with genome testing.

Every persons genome contains 3.2 billion letters of genetic code, amounting to two terabytes of data. If it was printed your genome would fill a stack of books 61 metres high. Although officials now talk about personalised medicine, what they are trying to deliver is diagnosis and treatment related to the genomic signature of a particular patient.

This means giving the most effective drugs against cancer, using drugs which will cause fewer side effects, seeking new drugs and treatments and moving to personalised prevention. There will also be other applications, many of which we are not yet aware of, the report says.

In the case of cancer, tumour cells develop a different genome to normal cells. Comparing a patients normal and cancerous DNA can provide valuable clues about the best form of treatment, although this information is not set in stone. Cancers evolve rapidly and alter their DNA, which can make them resistant to treatments.

This is still much more to learn about genomes and their relation with treatment response, but once that knowledge base expands there should be much faster diagnosis of rare diseases which currently take on average four years to diagnose.

Paul Gallagher

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NHS to offer personal cancer care based on patients' genetics - iNews