Genomics Now

Series 5 Episode 5 - Breaking Barriers: Personal Stories and the Role of Liquid Biopsies

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's (NTGMS) educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
In this final episode of the NTGMS liquid biopsy podcast series, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie welcomes Gini as her co-host, a Trustee for EGFR Positive UK. Today, they are joined by Mark and Janet who have lived-experience of biopsy testing for lung cancer.
Mark was diagnosed 12 years ago with stage two lung cancer, today he shares his journey from initial symptoms to the groundbreaking liquid biopsy that revealed a genetic change leading to successful targeted treatment.
Janet recounts her recent diagnosis and the symptoms that led her to participate in the NHS's lung cancer pilot for liquid biopsy testing, and that led to her swift treatment turnaround.
Join us as we explore the critical role of liquid biopsies in lung cancer treatment and the profound impact this test the NHS is piloting can have on patients' lives.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.
 

Series 5 Episode 4 - Fast-Tracking Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Insights from NHS Clinicians Piloting Liquid Biopsy Testing

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Services Educational Toolkit. In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss how genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and examine how genomics can be used to successfully improve patient care.
In today’s episode, we delve into the clinician's perspective on NHS England's liquid biopsy circulating tumour DNA pilot. Hosted by Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie, this episode features Dr. Alistair Greystoke, a Professor of Oncology, and Dr. William Ricketts, a Consultant chest physician. They discuss the integration and impact of liquid biopsy testing on lung cancer diagnosis and patient care.
Join us and learn about the practical tips, patient benefits, and logistical challenges encountered during the pilot, as well as the promising future applications of liquid biopsy testing in diagnostics and treatment monitoring. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that highlights the potential of genomics to change how we deliver healthcare.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.

Series 5 Episode 3 - Liquid Biopsy Testing Genomics Pilot: A Partnership between the NHS and Industry

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
In this episode, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie is joined by Stephen Kelly, UK Medical Director at Guardant Health, and Dr. Sophie Scott, UK General Manager at Guardant Health. Together, they discuss the role of liquid biopsy technology - a revolutionary blood test used to detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in cancer patients - and explore its potential in transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially for lung cancer.
This episode covers the evolving partnership between Guardant Health and The Royal Marsden Hospital London, which is at the forefront of piloting liquid biopsy testing in NHS patient pathways. Stephen and Sophie share insights on how this partnership has helped to drive clinical research and improved patient care, speeding up diagnoses and treatment decisions.
Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of liquid biopsy testing, its current applications, and the exciting possibilities for further advancements in genomics.
Visit our website for more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share your thoughts and spread the word by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service on social media

Series 5 Episode 2 - Transforming Cancer Diagnostics with Liquid Biopsies: Insights from an NHS Molecular Pathology Laboratory

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Services Educational Toolkit. In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss how genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and examine how genomics can be used to successfully improve patient care.
In this episode, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie chats with Professor Mike Hubank, Scientific Director of Clinical Genomics at the Royal Marsden NHS Trust and Scientific Director of the North Thames Genomics Laboratory Hub. They explore the process of transferring technology into NHS laboratories, focusing on the pilot of liquid biopsy circulating tumour DNA testing.
Learn how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionising lung cancer diagnostics, the benefits of the collaboration with Guardant Health, and the potential for expanding liquid biopsy testing across various cancer types. Discover the future implications and the significant impact on patient care.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the integration of advanced genomics in healthcare and its promising future.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.

Series 5 Episode 1 - Revolutionising Lung Cancer Diagnostics: The Promise of Liquid Biopsies

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Services Educational Toolkit. In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss how genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and examine how genomics can be used to successfully improve patient care.
In this first episode of our five-part series on liquid biopsies, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie is joined by Paul Ryves, Programme Director for the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. They discuss how the NHS in England is leading the way in adopting cutting-edge genomic technologies, specifically focusing on a new blood test that can guide lung cancer treatments.
Learn about the NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence, the phases of the lung cancer pilot, and how this innovative liquid biopsy test could become a standard of care. 
Don't miss out on this exciting conversation about the future of genomics in healthcare.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.

Series 4 Episode 5 - The Future of Pharmacogenetics: Enhancing Patient Care Through Genomic Counselling

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
In today's final episode of the pharmacogenetics series, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie is joined by Dharmisha Chauhan, the Lead Pharmacist at the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. They delve into the importance of pre- and post- pharmacogenetic counselling and its role in shared decision-making for personalised treatment plans.
Dharmisha explains how pharmacogenetics can prevent severe adverse drug reactions and improve treatment efficacy. She highlights the critical points pharmacists and prescribers should cover during counselling sessions, and the potential future benefits of point-of-care testing and wider pharmacogenetic panel testing on the NHS.
The episode also discusses the challenges of communicating complex genomic information to patients, especially those with different language backgrounds, and gives tips on clear communication and how to empower patients for joint decision-making. 
Join us as we wrap up this insightful series on pharmacogenetics and look forward to the advancements in personalised medicine and their impact on clinical roles and patient care.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.

Series 4 Episode 4 - Implementing Pharmacogenetics: What's needed in Mental Health Services

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Services Educational Toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss how genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and examine how genomics can be used to successfully improve patient care.
In this episode, hosted by Darmisha Chauhan, focusing on the implementation of pharmacogenetic testing into mental health services. Darmisha is joined by Dr Nick Bass, an academic Psychiatrist based in the Molecular Psychiatry Lab at University College London. Nick shares insights from his research on genetic effects in mental illnesses and discusses the challenges and potential benefits of introducing pharmacogenetic testing in mental health care.
The episode uses CYP2C19 testing as an example, how this genetic test could be integrated into clinical pathways. Nick explains how pharmacogenetics could guide the choice of medications, potentially reducing trial-and-error prescribing, minimising side effects, and improving patient outcomes. The discussion also covers the importance of education and training for healthcare professionals, consent processes, and patient engagement strategies.
Join us as we explore the exciting possibilities of pharmacogenetics in enhancing mental health services and improving patient care.
For more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research, visit the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service website. If you enjoyed this episode, share your thoughts and spread the word on social media by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service.

Series 4 Episode 3 - Advancing Pharmacogenetic Testing: Role of Research and Clinical Trials

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
In this episode, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie sits down again with Dharmisha Chauhan, the Lead Pharmacist at the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. Together, they dive into the critical role of research and clinical trials in advancing pharmacogenetic testing. Dharmisha explains how different types of studies, such as randomised controlled trials and cohort studies, provide essential evidence for implementing pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice.
This episode provides a fascinating look at the research that is shaping pharmacogenetics, underscoring the importance of generating diverse data representative of different populations. You'll hear about landmark research on Clopidogrel's impact on stroke patients, including key UK-based studies and the role of gene panels in broader pharmacogenetic testing.
Visit our website for more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share your thoughts and spread the word by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service on social media.
 
Learn more
Studies referenced in this episode:
Jia, D. M. et al.  (2013). CYP2C19 polymorphisms and antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel in acute ischemic stroke in China. Stroke, 44(6), 1717–1719. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.113.000823
Pilling, L. C. et al  (2021). Analysis of CYP2C19 genetic variants with ischaemic events in UK patients prescribed clopidogrel in primary care: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ open, 11(12), e053905. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053905
McDermott JH et al.  The role of CYP2C19 genotyping to guide antiplatelet therapy following ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2022;15(7): 811–825. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2022.2108401.
Swen, J. J., van der Wouden et al. Ubiquitous Pharmacogenomics Consortium (2023). A 12-gene pharmacogenetic panel to prevent adverse drug reactions: an open-label, multicentre, controlled, cluster-randomised crossover implementation study. Lancet (London, England), 401(10374), 347–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01841-4
 

Series 4 Episode 2 - Understanding Pharmacogenetics: Essential Concepts for Clinicians

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
In today's episode, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie welcomes back Dharmisha Chauhan, the Lead Pharmacist in the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. Dharmisha provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the basic pharmacogenetic principles that clinicians should know. 
They discuss the importance of understanding genomic terminology, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and how genetic variations influence individual responses to medications. Dharmisha also explains key genomic terms such as genes, alleles, genotypes, phenotypes, haplotypes, and diplotypes. 
The episode features a practical case study involving a stroke patient, to illustrate the clinical impact of pharmacogenetics and how it can guide medication adjustments to improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, the discussion highlights the significance of designing pharmacogenetic tests with population diversity in mind to ensure personalised medicine is effective across different ethnic backgrounds.
Visit our website for more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share your thoughts and spread the word by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service on social media.

Series 4 Episode 1 - Unlocking the Potential of Pharmacogenetics in the NHS

Welcome to Genomics Now, a podcast series where you can learn how genomics is developing in England's NHS. This podcast series is recorded in 2024 and is part of the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service's educational toolkit.
In each bite-sized episode, we explore what is changing in genomics. We answer the questions on genomics we've been asked by different healthcare professionals, discuss the ways genomics may impact various healthcare roles, and how genomics can be used to improve patient care successfully.
This episode kicks off a five-part series on pharmacogenetics.
In this episode, Dr. Shazia Mahamdallie is joined by Dharmisha Chauhan, the Lead Pharmacist at North Thames Genetic Medicines Service Alliance. Together, they explore the fundamental concepts of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics, discussing their differences and current applications within the NHS. Learn how this innovative field is beginning to shape personalised treatment strategies, and how NHS England's new Pharmacy Genomics Workforce Education and Training Strategic Framework, is aiming to integrate genomic medicine into pharmacy education and practice over the next three years.
The discussion also touches on the evolving role of pharmacists and other prescribers in utilising pharmacogenetic testing to optimise patient care. 
Stay tuned as we venture into the future possibilities of pharmacogenetics, anticipating broader applications and more comprehensive testing in primary care settings. Join us for insightful conversations and practical knowledge on how genomics is transforming healthcare.
Visit our website for more resources and updates on genomic-based clinical developments and research. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share your thoughts and spread the word by tagging the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service on social media.
Learn more:
Click here for - Pharmacy genomics workforce, education and training strategic framework 

Series 3 Episode 5: Family Implications of Genomic Test results

Speakers: Dr. Dahlia Hopmeier and Dr. Helen Grote
This episode addresses the various implications that genomic test results may have for a patient, as well as their family members. It focuses on the challenges that may arise with regards to sharing of information, and the ways in which families can be supported throughout this process.
Recorded in June 2021

Series 3 Episode 4: Fetal Exome Sequencing

Speakers: Dr. Dahlia Hopmeier and Dr. Rhiannon Melis
This episode explores the various ways in which fetal DNA can be examined, including fetal exome sequencing. The clinical utility and how this fits into NHS testing pathways is also discussed.
Recorded in June 2021

Series 3 Episode 3: Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Speakers: Dr. Dahlia Hopmeier and Dagmar Tapon
This episode explains the concept of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and the roll-out of this technique as an additional testing option in the NHS.
Recorded in June 2021

Series 3 Episode 2: Rare Disease Genomics in 10 Minutes

Speakers: Dr. Dahlia Hopmeier and Dr. Angela Brady
In this episode the role of genomics in rare disease is discussed, and explanations of genomic variants and how they are identified and interpreted are given.
Recorded in June 2021

Series 3 Episode 1: Cancer Genomics in 10 Minutes

Speakers: Dr. Dahlia Hopmeier and Dr. Angela Brady
This episode gives a brief overview of the role of genomics in cancer and explains key concepts including familial cancer syndromes and diagnostic versus predictive gene testing.
Recorded in June 2021