The scope of cancer genomics

In this step, we give the floor to Professor Serena Nik-Zainal, research professor at the National Institute for Health and Care Research and an honorary consultant in clinical genetics.

During this interview, Professor Nik-Zainal talks about:

• her role in somatic cancer research;
• how samples are taken for paired whole genome sequencing (WGS), and the benefits of this technology;
• the shrinking distance between academic research and clinical practice;
• what driver and passenger mutations are, and their roles in current and future research and treatment; and
• what mainstreaming means in routine cancer care.

Although WGS is not yet a standard-of-care test for cancer in the NHS, the power and potential of this technology has huge implications for the future. Researchers like Professor Nik-Zainal are on the cutting edge, making discoveries that will truly change the way cancer treatment evolves in the coming years.

We will hear more from Professor Nik-Zainal later on in the course. For now, let’s get practical and explore the types of somatic cancer tests you should be familiar with.