Rapid genome sequencing cut pediatric cancer turnaround to 3 days
Mean turnaround times for whole-genome sequencing in childhood cancer fell from 42 days to 3, according to a paper in Nature Communications. The study evaluated 54 children in England with suspected or confirmed malignancy. Rapid sequencing detected 147 of 155 clinically actionable variants, compared with 138 detected by standard testing. In a prospective subset of 35 patients, clinicians reported that the faster workflow helped 17 children by supporting faster access to targeted therapy and risk stratification or avoiding unnecessary investigations and treatment escalation.
Children with suspected cancer could receive clinical genomic results days sooner. The results suggest clinical use, but they need further evaluation.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].