Svetlana Nikic, Founder of Precision Oncology Consulting, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Bridging Evidence and Access: How WGS Can Shape Future Cancer Care – Wrap up!
On 25 November I had the pleasure of hosting a webinar on how whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can move from pilots to routine cancer care, together with an outstanding panel: Edwin Cuppen, Albrecht Stenzinger, Pr. Isabelle Durand-Zaleski and Rhodri Saunders.
A few themes stood out:
- Comprehensive WGS delivers substantially more value than standard testing (60% additional clinically relevant) and is concordant to standard of care testing.
- A comprehensive approach also captures complex biomarkers, germline variants, neoantigens and supportive diagnostic information, while avoiding continuous redesign of gene panels and making more efficient use of scarce tissue (resulting in what I call, diagnostic efficiency).
- Comprehensive testing creates stronger data assets and a clearer HEOR story. Homogeneous, whole-genome datasets enable robust RWD/RWE generation, trial enrolment based on full molecular profiles and consolidated lab workflows.
- From a market access perspective, evidence needs to speak to all four pillars: analytical accuracy, clinical benefit, payer optimisation and purchaser affordability/ROI.
- Costs are falling, but economics must be understood upfront. Detailed cost modelling of tumour–normal WGS across platforms showed per-patient costs can range from roughly €3,000 down to ~€1,500, depending on technology and utilisation, with sequencing reagents, depreciation and personnel as key drivers.
- Implementation requires early, structured engagement at national level. Experience from initiatives such as PFMG2025 and GenomDE underlined the need to involve medical societies early, share and align protocols, establish national WGS databases, link sequencing with claims and outcomes data, and define common performance indicators despite rapid technology evolution and limited RCTs.
I also had a pleasure to introduce the Global Cancer Genome Expert Network (GCGEN) which aims to:
- Define NGS-agnostic, clinical-grade WGS workflows.
- Enable shared real-world evidence for HTA and reimbursement.
- Support more equitable access to WGS across health systems.
We are actively looking for industry sponsors and partners (pharma, diagnostics, technology companies) who wish to co-shape this agenda and work closely with leading experts in genomics, pathology, oncology and HEOR.
If your organisation is exploring WGS adoption, evidence strategy or WGS-related KOL engagement in Europe, I would be pleased to discuss how I support teams through strategic KOL management and market access planning.”
Access the webinar recording using passcode: $.F&8#8+
