5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  In a study at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, rapid whole-genome sequencing reduced mean diagnostic turnaround time for children suspected of cancer from 42 days to 3 days.

• 2

  The NHS currently offers whole-genome sequencing to people aged 0 to 25 years who are suspected of having cancer, with a mean end-to-end turnaround of 42 days.

• 3

  Earlier genomic results can inform initial treatment decisions, potentially directing children to targeted treatments or clinical trials and helping avoid some harmful treatments.

• 4

  In the study cohort, rapid whole-genome sequencing was associated with access to precision medicines, less invasive surgery, reduced chemotherapy use, and noncancer diagnoses in some cases.

• 5

  NHS England plans to roll out rapid whole-genome sequencing across England over 2 years through the Pediatric Cancer Genomic Network of Excellence and NHS Genomic Medicine Service laboratories.