Eleven NHS Genomic Medicine Centres (GMCs) have been announced by Genomics England. They will spearhead the 100,000 Genomes Project, which aims to decode the genomes of patients affected by cancers or rare diseases, and subsequently use this knowledge to develop better diagnostic tests and treatments for these conditions.
Professor Mark Caulfield, chief scientist for Genomics England, said the centres would bring researchers and clinicians together ‘to work as part of Genomic England’s Clinical Interpretation Partnership on whole genome data that has never been collected on this scale before. We have a clear goal of accelerating the findings from the programme back into mainstream healthcare at the fastest possible pace, meaning more rapid results for patients.’
The 100,000 Genomes Project will focus on the five most common cancers – breast, bowel, ovarian, lung and the commonest form of leukaemia – as well as 110 rare diseases. DNA samples collected at the GMCs will be decoded and analysed by the biotech company Illumina. The results will be returned to NHS England, where they will be validated and shared with patients. The project will cost £300million and is scheduled to run for three years.
Related on the SLP
Read full, original story: Genomics England announces 11 centres spearheading 100,000 Genomes Project
