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Dr Clare Verrill and Dr Lisa Browning have been filmed demonstrating how to sample fresh tumours from prostate and renal cases for whole genome sequencing and the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Dr Clare Verrill demonstrating how to biobank prostate specimens

In interviews, Dr Verrill, who is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Pathology at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and an Honorary Consultant in Cellular Pathology at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Browning (pictured below), who is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Pathology at Oxford University and a Consultant Histopathologist, also discussed the benefits of sampling fresh tissue compared to formalin fixed samples.

Dr Lisa Browning demonstrating how to sample fresh tumours from renal cases.© NDSThe 100,000 Genomes Project aims to analyse whole genome sequences from thousands of patients to develop a greater understanding of the basis of disease. Around 1,200 samples from about 600 cancer patients and around 2,000 samples from about 660 rare disease patients will be collected.

It is vital that every patient who enrols on the cancer programme receives an accurate and timely report of the results of their whole genome sequencing. Every sample collected must deliver optimum insight and this will require changes to the way samples are handled.

Advances in genetic analysis and cheaper whole genome sequencing means sampling fresh tissue is now set to be standard cancer care. 

The videos will be hosted on the Genomics England website and disseminated across the NHS to support pathologists and other members of cancer multi-disciplinary teams with recruitment of patients on to the 100,000 Genomes Project and other similar genomics studies. They will also be shared with Health Education England and the Royal College of Pathologists for education and training.   

View all the videos featuring Dr Clare Verrill and Dr Lisa Browning here.