Cancer: Genomics
(asked on 19th June 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will undertake a horizon review to identify emerging actionable gene mutations that should be fast tracked onto the National Genomic Test Directory, prioritising (a) rare and less survivable cancers and (b) pancreatic cancer.
Genomic testing in the National Health Service in England is provided through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (NHS GMS) and delivered by a national genomic testing network of seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The NHS GLHs deliver testing as directed by the National Genomic Test Directory (NGTD). Further information on the NGTD is available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-genomic-test-directories/
This includes tests for over 7,000 rare diseases and over 200 cancer clinical indications, including both whole genome sequencing (WGS) and non-WGS testing.
NHS England regularly updates the NGTD in line with scientific and technological advances, while delivering value for money for the NHS. NHS England undertakes horizon scanning with system partners, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and a fast-track process ensures amendments that may be identified as requiring more urgent implementation are considered. Anyone can submit an application to the NGTD if the appropriate clinical and scientific evidence is in place. There is a robust and evidence-based Test Evaluation process and policy. The policy ensures that genomic testing continues to be available for all patients for whom it would be of clinical benefit, and is available at the following link:
NHS England is working with partners to expand the NGTD to include more comprehensive reporting of clinical trial targets, helping embed these targets in standards of care and reporting rapid trial enrolment.