Manchester laboratory reduces cancer testing time to 14 days

A laboratory in Manchester now manages genetic blood tests for lung and breast cancer patients across the north of England.

The North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, located opposite Manchester Royal Infirmary, manages the testing process for patients seeking personalized cancer treatments. Doctors at The Christie hospital used a test created by the medical firm Roche to identify a specific genetic mutation in a patient with stage four lung cancer.

This mutation allowed the patient to receive targeted drugs in tablet form instead of traditional chemotherapy. Previously, medical staff had to send blood samples to Germany for testing, which caused results to take up to six weeks. Staff at the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub traveled to Germany to receive training on the complex testing process, which reduced the wait time for patients to 14 days.

This test identifies circulating tumour cells, which are fragments of DNA that detach from a tumor and move through the bloodstream. Dr Matthew Krebs and Dr Emma Howard said the facility plans to expand the scope of these tests. While the lab currently identifies genes for lung and breast cancer, the team intends to add tests for biliary, pancreatic, and potentially prostate cancers.

These targeted therapies aim to provide prolonged control of the disease with fewer side effects by focusing on the specific part of the cancer causing the problem.