Background
The current delivery and utility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in solid cancer has recently been assessed by the NHS England Genomics Unit Senior Management Team. This concluded that WGS in solid tumours should only be available for the most clinically relevant population, as follows:
From 4th December 2024, for solid tumours, access to WGS will be retained for all paediatric/TYA (age range <25 years) WGS Test Directory indications, and for all CNS/brain tumours (all ages). But for all other adult solid tumour WGS Test Directory indications, WGS will only be available where there is a clear, clinical question and where results have expected utility/impact. This includes exhausted standard of care from either a clinical or diagnostic perspective.
Theses changes are also summarised in the explanatory note tab of the October 2024 (v10) edition of the National Genomic Cancer Test Directory.