Latest news with #personalisedmedicine
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
New world-first blood test to transform cancer treatment
The NHS in England is rolling out a new blood test (liquid biopsy) for lung cancer patients to speed up access to targeted treatments and avoid unnecessary biopsies, benefiting approximately 15,000 patients annually. The liquid biopsy detects tumour DNA mutations from a blood sample, allowing for faster access to therapies tailored to the genetic profile of the disease; a pilot scheme showed treatment decisions were made 16 days faster compared to tissue biopsies. The NHS will also use the test for breast cancer patients to check for a wider range of genetic variants, potentially benefiting 5,000 women a year, and is exploring its use for other cancers like pancreatic and gallbladder cancer. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, hailed liquid biopsies as ushering in a new era of personalised cancer care, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the new testing will "give thousands of people peace of mind". Rebeca Proctor, a stage 4 lung cancer patient, benefited from the liquid biopsy by receiving targeted treatment (brigatinib) after it revealed an ALK genetic mutation, giving her "her life back".
CNA
23-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Systemic sclerosis causes 1 in 2 deaths within 4 years of diagnosis
A S$6 million grant at the Singapore General Hospital will fund a new project for systemic sclerosis patients. The aim is to better diagnosis and personalised treatment for the disease that has poor survival rates, killing one in two Asian patients within four years of diagnosis. Researchers will analyse patients' genes, immune systems, gut bacteria and more over the next five years. Associate Professor Andrea Low, Lead of the Singapore Systemic Sclerosis Precision Medicine Project and Senior Consultant at SGH, explains why Asian patients have poor survival rates with this disease and the factors contributing to it. She also points out how the Singapore Systemic Sclerosis Precision Medicine Project differs from existing programmes treating this disease.
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Mediclinic expands precision medicine portfolio with gut microbiome wellness package
People can optimise health via advanced genetic sequencing, AI-driven nutrition planning In line with its commitment to advancing personalised healthcare and supporting the UAE's vision for a healthier nation, Mediclinic Middle East, one of the region's leading private healthcare providers, has introduced a direct-to-consumer gut microbiome test package. This innovative new service is designed to help individuals optimise their health and improve well-being through personalised dietary insights. Mediclinic's precision medicine service, delivered through Mediclinic Precise, covers the whole of the UAE. It already features a host of tests including genetic testing for reproductive health, cancer and cardiovascular disease risk, alongside tests for patients with symptoms of genetic disorders as well as those related to the gut microbiome. Genetic testing services are available across all Mediclinic facilities and are serviced by its state-of-the-art laboratories. Personalised approach Gut microbiome testing empowers people to understand the status of their gut health in order to create a personalised approach to improve general well-being. A richer and more diverse gut microbiome can help in lowering risk of chronic diseases as well as providing several other health benefits. The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms in the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. By harnessing the latest scientific advancements, Mediclinic seeks to enable clients to leverage their microbiome to address a range of health conditions, including digestive disorders, immune deficiencies and chronic diseases. Making it more accessible 'Mediclinic's precision medicine service, with testing that happens locally within the UAE, is already providing our patients with fast and accurate information related to their genetic make-up, which empowers them to make informed decisions about their health,' said Dr Jacques Kobersy, chief medical officer at Mediclinic. 'With our new direct-to-consumer gut microbiome testing initiative, we are making this advanced science more accessible to our clients than ever before, representing a significant step forward in personalised medicine.' The new gut microbiome test and follow-up use genetic sequencing and AI-driven meal planning to optimise digestive health, immune function, weight management and more. Available across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, the package includes virtual and in-person consultations, with seamless pick-up and drop-off services for testing kits. To learn more about Mediclinic's gut microbiome testing, visit or call 800 2033.
Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Biontech to invest £1bn in British vaccine research centres
A billion-pound investment in research centres by the Covid vaccine-maker BioNTech is a 'firework sent into the night sky advertising Britain's brilliance' in the life sciences, the science and technology secretary has said. Announcing the deal, which it is hoped will lead to more personalised medicine and high tech jobs, Peter Kyle said it also demonstrated that the government had learnt from its failure earlier this year to secure a £450 million investment from rival pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca. BioNTech, which co-developed an mRNA-based Covid vaccine alongside pharmaceutical company Pfizer, has been working with the NHS to develop personalised cancer vaccines. It plans to open an AI hub in London, as well as a research centre in Cambridge focusing on genomics and oncology. Its commitment of
