Norway has launched the Norwegian Cancer Genomics Consortium, which will use next-generation sequencing to sequence the genomes of cancer patients. In comparison, many similar studies at hospitals in the US, UK and France are using conventional genetic testing. The project’s pilot phase will sequence 1,000 patients’ tumor genomes to determine how genetic makeup affects treatment. Researchers ultimately plan to sequence all of the patients’ protein-encoding genes and provide this information to each patient’s physician. In addition, the project’s pilot phase will sequence 3,000 tumor biopsies to examine cancer mutations and drug response. The project’s second phase will invest in laboratory, clinical and computer infrastructure to provide genomic sequencing to Norwegians newly diagnosed with cancer, which totals about 25,000 people annually. The project’s cost is estimated to be $6.3 million, excluding equipment. Full funding has yet to be obtained.

Source: Nature