Sheila Devaney looks at the training Roche offers pathologists using the PD-L1 tests for non-small cell lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, and the development of algorithms to support the diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer.
Early detection is crucial in all cancers, as it presents the most likely chance of a positive prognosis and better long-term outcomes for patients. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has impacted this significantly, as some patients have avoided accessing primary care, putting early diagnosis – which was already a challenge for many tumour types – even further behind. Others who have been referred, have had treatment delayed.
Pathology laboratories and pathologists play a fundamental part in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and will play a pivotal role in helping to get the NHS back on track following one of the most challenging periods in its history. Swift and accurate diagnosis is key in helping to address the increased backlog that COVID-19 has created. But pathologists are often unsung, working behind the scenes to hasten diagnosis or support more targeted treatment decisions. Our challenge – as an industry – is to provide the right training and tools so that pathologists are fully enabled in their work and can help drive early diagnosis and personalised treatment for as many patients as possible.
Personalised medicine
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