With Automata’s support, the hospital’s Clinical Genomics Service will double its genomic testing capacity through a new robotic sample processing platform.
The new installation is expected to increase the hospital’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) capacity by around 2000 tests per month and expand the range of tests the specialist cancer centre can perform. NGS technology allows scientists to analyse DNA and RNA gene sequences to deliver more personalised treatments on a large scale.
The newly automated service will also enable The Royal Marsden to launch a new genetic screening service to identify people at risk of cancer based on their inherited genetic mutations. The service will primarily test for mutations in the BRCA genes, which can impact risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer, along with other inherited mutations such as CHEK2, which is also associated with a range of cancers.
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People identified as at risk of developing cancer through this testing will be carefully monitored to help pick up signs of the disease at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Preventative treatments may also be offered to help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Automata said its LINQ platform features a laboratory smart bench with integrated automation capabilities and proprietary lab orchestration software. The system allows labs to reduce human touchpoints and increase efficiency and accuracy without the addition of bulky equipment that takes up lab space.
The Royal Marsden’s Clinical Genomics Laboratory and Automata will automate five workflows, made up of 20 LINQ benches, six robots and 37 laboratory instruments to double sample throughput for DNA extraction, quality control and sequencing library preparation.
In a statement, Professor Michael Hubank, scientific director of clinical genomics at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Translational Genomics at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “The facility will enable us to analyse the genetic make-up of more cancers than ever before, helping us to target cancer treatments and identity those at higher risk of the disease.
“Genomic testing is currently labour intensive and involves repetitive tasks, so fully automating the process will give our scientists and technicians more time to focus on quality and on the scientific aspects of their important work.”
The new installation, which is due to be completed in 2024, will be housed at the NIHR Centre for Molecular Pathology. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
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