Next Generation Sequencing Analysis: A Clinical Study to Implement An Innovative Cancer Care Model In the UK with Health and Economic Benefits

Molecular diagnostic tests have improved quality and reduced costs of cancer care, and are becoming more widely adopted in the NHS. The proposed programme will use novel next generation sequencing (NGS) and informatics to develop consistent, accurate tests for tumour profiling in order to identify therapeutic options, including enrolment into clinical trials, and to collect data linking patient genotypes to drug response. The programme will yield diagnostic tests that serve above purposes. The programme will also deliver a more comprehensive genetic reporting option leveraging the same platform technologies and commercialised through the same channels. Participating pharmaceutical companies will apply the results from medical testing to improve the efficiency of clinical drug development. In the programme, the panel sequencing assay will be developed and validated by Oxford University, then commercialised through the NHS, private labs, and internationally as a laboratory service. The test will benefit the UK economy through biotechnology product sales by a large UK employer; new clinical trial investment by global pharma; and accelerated drug development by UK-based pharma.