Morning, Thursday, 7th January 2027
Online
This conference will examine next steps for advancing cancer research and genomics in England.
Research priorities & innovation pipeline
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to consider priorities for research and innovation following the publication of The National Cancer Plan for England: delivering world class cancer care in February 2026, alongside wider ambitions for economic growth and improvements to patient outcomes set out in the 10 Year Health Plan and Life Sciences Sector Plan.
Discussion will examine approaches to strengthening the research and innovation pipeline, including the coordination and sequencing of research at national scale, and sustaining support and investment at each stage of development. Delegates will assess practical approaches to accelerate the translation of proven advances into routine care, alongside priorities for supporting meaningful and consistent improvements in outcomes for patients.
Genomics in cancer care
Next steps for genomics in cancer care will be considered, including the expansion of routine genomic testing, the development of whole‑genome sequencing capability, and the shift towards more personalised and predictive models of cancer care. Discussion will consider practicalities of implementing universal cancer genomic profiling supported by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service Lead Providers, approaches to integrating genomic insights into treatment decisions, and the development of safeguards to maintain equitable access as technologies scale.
The role of genomics in early detection, prevention and trial participation will also be examined, as well as the implications of large-scale genomic profiling for data governance, public confidence and workforce capability.
Delivery, adoption & access
The planned agenda will also examine practical approaches to research delivery and application across the health system, with a focus on implementation of the Cancer Trials Accelerator Programme and development of national linkable datasets.
Areas for discussion include priorities for infrastructure, commissioning, and regulatory arrangements to support timely NHS uptake of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital tools, including questions around evaluation, procurement, adoption pathways and system readiness, alongside latest thinking for supporting a more predictable environment for innovation. Attendees will also consider options to support more consistent access to advances in cancer care across different communities, and implications for equity in outcomes.
Overview of areas for discussion
- early research priorities: sequencing national cancer research goals - alignment with the innovation pathway - coordination across NIHR, NHS Cancer Programme and OLS
- clinical trials & evidence generation: delivery of the Cancer Trials Accelerator Programme - faster approvals - pressures on trial capacity - expansion of community‑based and decentralised models
- early detection & diagnostics: development of multi‑cancer early detection tests - integration of blood, breath and urine diagnostics - pathways for NHS adoption
- genomics implementation: expansion of routine genomic testing - consistency across NHS Genomic Medicine Service Lead Providers - readiness for universal cancer genomic profiling
- personalised and genomic‑driven treatment: scaling access to mRNA cancer vaccines - criteria for molecular and genomic therapies - safeguards for equitable rollout
- data & digital infrastructure: development of national linkable datasets - integration of genomic and clinical data - single patient record and unified genomic record - governance, public trust and security
- innovation adoption: streamlining regulatory pathways - support for implementation research - mechanisms for accelerating NHS uptake of new technologies - use of AI and digital tools
- system capacity: workforce skills - trial-ready infrastructure for high‑throughput testing - investment needs for trial‑ready sites - neighbourhood-level models of care
