Single Molecule Long Read Sequencing in Lung Cancer Diagnostics: Advancing Precision Oncology

Cancer arises from mutations within cells, causing uncontrolled growth. These faults are caused by changes in the cell’s DNA, which not only contribute to cancer development, but can also be used by clinicians to guide treatment decisions. To identify these changes and determine suitable treatments, samples are usually taken directly from tumours and the DNA is sequenced. Advanced computational techniques are used to convert this sequencing information into actionable advice for clinicians.

This current process has several limitations:
- Obtaining tumour samples can be invasive and time-consuming.
- Existing sequencing techniques overlook certain types of genetic changes.
- DNA changes are assessed in only a small number of genes.

To address these challenges, this project will use blood samples instead of tissue directly taken from the tumours, focusing on lung cancer. Tumours shed some of their DNA into the blood, so this DNA will be captured and will undergo a new type of sequencing, capturing longer fragments of DNA, thus identifying previously missed changes. Computational techniques will then be developed to allow for reporting of changes across a much larger set of genes than currently used.

Together this project will allow for a faster and more comprehensive test to be undertaken, allowing for a more effective and personalised approach to cancer treatment.