NHS England has announced that the NHS is preparing to fast-track the introduction of new cancer drugs that target tumours according to their genetic make-up rather than where they originate in the body,
Professor Jo Martin, College President said:
“We know the earlier cancer is detected the better the outcome for the patient. Fast-track cancer drugs, which target genetic mutations that accelerate the growth of many types of tumour, will benefit many patients and is very welcome.
The first step, however, is the molecular testing of the tumour to determine which drugs and treatments will be the most effective.
Ensuring we have enough pathologists with the right skills and training will be essential to enabling this. We are keen to work with NHS England to ensure that molecular testing is embedded in cancer pathways.”
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