Rapid Genomic Testing in Community Hospitals May Speed Up Cancer Treatment

A study led by researchers at a community hospital in Sapporo, Japan found that comprehensive genomic testing using a blood-based approach can be completed in about 27 hours, offering a faster path to treatment decisions for patients with cancer.

The findings address a critical gap in cancer care. Despite the growth of precision medicine, only about one third of eligible patients receive genomic testing that could help match them to targeted therapies. This gap is especially relevant for patients treated in community hospitals, where most cancer care takes place and where access to timely testing can be limited.

Faster results may reduce delays in care

For many patients, waiting for genomic test results can take weeks. Traditional next-generation sequencing workflows often require samples to be sent to external laboratories, leading to turnaround times of more than two weeks.

In the study, researchers demonstrated that genomic profiling using circulating tumor DNA from a blood sample could be completed in approximately 27 hours, with only about 40 minutes of hands-on time.

For patients, this difference in timing may be meaningful. Faster results may allow care teams to review genomic information earlier, potentially before or during initial treatment planning, rather than after therapy has already started.

The use of liquid biopsy, which relies on a blood sample, may also reduce the need for invasive tissue procedures in certain situations.

Study shows feasibility in community settings

The study evaluated the use of automated next-generation sequencing combined with liquid biopsy in a community hospital setting, where approximately 50% to 80% of patients with cancer receive care.

Researchers focused on whether genomic testing could be performed efficiently on-site. The process integrated sample preparation, sequencing and data analysis into a streamlined workflow, reducing the need for external laboratories.

By completing testing locally and with minimal manual steps, the approach demonstrated that rapid genomic profiling is feasible in real-world community settings, where barriers such as cost, limited expertise and long turnaround times have historically slowed access.

Making results useful for patients

While faster testing is important, researchers also highlighted the need to ensure results can be clearly interpreted and applied in clinical care.

A complementary study emphasized the role of multidisciplinary case review and coordinated communication workflows. These approaches help clinicians understand complex genomic findings and determine how they may guide treatment decisions.

For patients, this means that faster results alone are not enough. Clear communication between care teams and structured review processes are essential to ensure that genomic testing leads to meaningful and timely treatment choices.

When combined, rapid testing and coordinated interpretation may make it possible for oncologists to have genomic results available at the first appointment, helping guide treatment decisions sooner for patients who cannot wait weeks for answers.

Testing considerations

Liquid biopsy, which uses a blood sample, may reduce risks associated with traditional tissue biopsies, which can require invasive procedures. However, this approach may not detect all tumors, particularly if there is not enough circulating tumor DNA in the bloodstream.

In these cases, additional testing using tissue samples may still be needed to provide a complete picture.

Reference

1. “Liquid Biopsy and Automated Next-Generation Sequencing: Achieving Results in 27 Hours Within a Community Setting” by Dr. Tomomi Yajima, et al., Diagnostics.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.