A new team of experts is helping to provide genomic insights to enable more personalised cancer care across the East of England.
Led by Dr Brent O’Carrigan, the clinical cancer lead at the NHS East Genomics Laboratory Hub near Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the team of six genomic clinical practitioners is the first of its kind in England.
Dr Brent O’Carrigan, clinical cancer lead at the NHS East Genomics Laboratory Hub
Dr Brent O’Carrigan, clinical cancer lead at the NHS East Genomics Laboratory Hub
Genomic medicine is increasingly seen as key to transforming cancer prevention, prediction, diagnosis and treatment. It uses insights from a patient’s full set of DNA – the genome – to inform the best treatment for that individual.
Dr O’Carrigan said: “It is widely expected that many future cancer treatments will be targeted to tumours based on specific genomic and other biomarkers.
“Comprehensive genomic sequencing will offer cancer patients a more precise diagnosis at the start of their treatment.
“This can provide better information, guiding faster access to precision treatments or surgery based on the complete genomic profile of the cancer together with other diagnostic information, avoiding drug reactions and enabling access to clinical trials.
“Crucially, it may also identify family members who could be at risk to enable early intervention.”
The team was set up by the East of England Cancer Alliance and is part of a national strategy to embed genomics in the NHS.
In the coming decade, the NHS plans to offer genomic testing routinely to all cancer patients where there is clinical benefit. This will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis, personalised precision treatment, greater access to clinical trials and the identification of family members who could be at risk.
The genomic clinical practitioners are tasked with ensuring genomics is embedded in cancer care from the patient’s first GP appointment through to aftercare and follow-ups, like genetic counselling.
The service leads are Liz Lawrence and Melissa Cambell-Kelly.
Liz Lawrence, service co-lead for genomic clinical practitioners in East of England
Liz, an oncology nurse for 23 years with a postgraduate diploma in genomics, is about to start a masters degree in genomics.
She said: “As co-leads we are determined to increase genomic literacy across the East of England, working with colleagues to embed genomic testing and providing advice for all service users in cancer care.”
Melissa, who has a background in nursing and midwifery, has been involved for the last 15 years in clinical research nursing. For the last six years, she has been lead nurse for cancer research at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and grew her interest in genomics while working on the 100,000 Genomes Project.
Melissa Cambell-Kelly, service co-lead for genomic clinical practitioners in East of England
Melissa, who has just completed a postgraduate diploma in genomics, said: “We are passionate about the next generation of cancer care and are proud to be leading this innovative project with our team of genomic practitioners.”
Consultant oncologist Prof Peter Hoskin, clinical director at the East of England Cancer Alliance, added: "Genomic medicine has the potential to offer a greater understanding of how our genetic makeup impacts on our health and the response to treatments.
"This innovative project establishes the East of England as a trailblazer for genomics excellence in NHS cancer care. It sets out a model for the future."