Confused about the Test Directory and how to get patients a genomic test? The Genomics Education Programme can tell you more
The NICE Surveillance Team have decided not to update the Guideline at the moment but to keep it under review. Their reasoning is shown here. They have however agreed one change which reflects the introduction of Whole Genome Sequencing in England in October 2022: Due to changes in practice, we will replace recommendation 1.2.2.9 that says not to use gene-expression-based
Read more
Our report and accounts for last year can be seen here For the long view visit the Charity Commission website – our number is 119380
In conjunction with SBK we have another online event on Tuesday 7 March (09:00-15:50). This is an opportunity to look at the implications of RDCs and WGS on the patient pathway. Speakers and topics are shown here on the SBK website.
NCRI are conducting a survey to help identify the research priorities for CUP. This is not limited to clinicians. Anyone with an interest in the next steps for CUP research in the UK is invited to complete the survey. Those outside the UK are most welcome to contribute as well. The survey can be found here until 3 Feb: https://ncri.checkboxonline.com/ncri-muocup-study-group—research-priorities-survey-
ESMO have published (20 Dec 22) Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The, very comprehensive, guideline can be seen in our research section. (This replaces ESMO’s 2015 Guideline) Authors: A. Krämer T. Bochtler C. Pauli G. Baciarello S. Delorme K. Hemminki L. Mileshkin H. Moch K. Oien T. Olivier A. Patrikidou H. Wasan
Read more
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) becomes Standard of Care for CUP patients. Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) WGS in all ages and in upfront testing is included in the National Genomic Test Directory in the 31st October 2022 publication as a standalone referral indication (M226.4). The National Genomic Test Directory specifies which genomic tests are commissioned by NHS England, the patients that are
Read more
For some time we have been pressing for clarification on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in relation to Standard of Care (SOC) for CUP patients. The all-important Test Directory is to be updated shortly and Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and SRO for NHS Genomics has advised us that: ‘CUP WGS in all ages and in upfront
Read more
Research by Natalie Cook’s CUP group at the Christie in Manchester has shown that a significant number of provisional CUP patients can be put onto a site specific pathway for Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. “By reclassifying some of those CUP patients with cancer in the liver as bile duct cancer patients, this would lead to increased treatment options and a better prognosis.
Read more
Encouraged from a number of sides, NICE have decided that an update to the Guideline is not presently warranted. A slight glimmer of light is shown in their statement that ‘we do feel that this area is moving but there is not yet sufficient evidence for us to suggest an update. We are tracking a number of ongoing trials which
Read more