Morning, Thursday, 7th January 2027
Online
This conference will examine next steps for advancing cancer research and genomics in England, following publication of the National Cancer Plan for England and a series of developments in 2026 affecting clinical trials, genomic services, rare cancers and health data. We expect discussion to focus on priorities for translating research and technological advances into earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatment and improved outcomes for patients. The agenda will consider prevention and early detection, the role of genomics across the cancer pathway, clinical trials and access to new treatment, and data and digital infrastructure.
Discussion will consider implementation of the National Plan published in February 2026, and next steps for the research, genomics and early diagnosis commitments it shares with the 10 Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan, including priorities for integrating preventative approaches - drawing on lessons from the NHS-Galleri Trial and the evidence emerging from multi-cancer early detection research, alongside latest thinking on approaches to screening.
Delegates will discuss pathways to enhancing the speed, scale and inclusivity of cancer clinical trials, looking at the operation of new clinical trials regulations now in force across the UK since April 2026, alongside the establishment of the Cancer Trials Accelerator Programme. Approaches to continued expansion of routine genomic testing under the new NHS Genomic Medicine Service delivery arrangements will be considered, including the role of whole-genome sequencing and other testing technologies. With the Rare Cancers Act 2026 now in force, discussion is also expected on models for identifying and contacting potential clinical trial participants.
The funding, sequencing and accountability arrangements relating to research leadership, genomic testing and trial access will be examined. Delegates will consider questions of consistency in delivery and access as NHS England’s functions are transferred to the Department of Health and Social Care. The agenda will also look at key issues for diagnostic and workforce capacity - with the Royal College of Radiologists reporting in June 2026 of widening shortfalls in radiology and clinical oncology, and a marked geographic divide. We expect discussion on implications for delivering earlier diagnosis, as well as research participation and access to advanced treatment, across different parts of England.
Further sessions assess ways forward for effectively utilising digital tools in cancer research and new treatment delivery. Delegates will discuss the governance of NHS data as the single patient record is placed on a statutory footing through the Health Bill and the Health Data Research Service prepares to begin providing secure access to national datasets for research. Areas for consideration include questions around governance, transparency, public benefit and public confidence.
Prevention, early detection & screening
Sessions will consider what is needed to advance cancer prevention and earlier detection, drawing on lessons from the NHS-Galleri Trial, including implications of its primary endpoint not being met, alongside evidence from other multi-cancer early detection approaches. Discussion will also assess priorities for screening and emerging diagnostic technologies, including the evidence, capacity and pathways needed for adoption within the NHS.
Areas for discussion include:
- emerging diagnostics:
- evaluation and evidence requirements following the NHS-Galleri outcomes - clinical utility, cost-effectiveness and thresholds for adoption
- integration of blood, breath and urine diagnostics into NHS pathways - liquid biopsy and ctDNA capability - safeguards for AI-supported models
- capacity & pathways:
- pathology, imaging and endoscopy capacity - addressing diagnostic bottlenecks
- integration without added pressure on primary care - alignment with neighbourhood-based care
- screening & uptake: tackling inequalities in uptake on screening - overdiagnosis, false reassurance and informed consent
- prevention & risk: integrating preventative approaches into cancer pathways - identifying higher-risk populations - implications for earlier intervention and targeted surveillance
Genomic testing & personalised cancer care
Further discussion will examine implementation of genomic testing across the cancer pathway, from inherited cancer risk and earlier diagnosis through to treatment selection. Sessions will consider the new NHS Genomic Medicine Service provider arrangements and what is needed to translate expanding genomic capability into timely and consistent clinical use.
Areas for discussion include:
- testing & implementation:
- recent updates to the National Genomic Test Directory and national accreditation of improved whole-genome sequencing sample-handling pathways
- practicalities of the national programme for people with inherited cancer risk
- capacity for timely access to appropriate genomic testing, including whole-genome sequencing where clinically indicated
- personalised treatment:
- moving towards a more predictive, personalised model of cancer care - integrating genomic insights into treatment decisions within clinically relevant timeframes
- routes into trials of personalised mRNA cancer vaccines through the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad
- inequalities & representation:
- implications of underrepresentation of populations for the accuracy and applicability of genomic medicine
- criteria for identifying patients who may benefit from genomic testing and targeted treatment
- consistency & readiness:
- implementation of the new NHS Genomic Medicine Service provider arrangements
- consistency across providers under new contracts - progress towards genomic profiling for all patients who would benefit
- turnaround times and laboratory workforce - conditions needed to embed genomics safely within everyday clinical practice
Research, clinical trials & access to new treatment
The agenda will examine practical delivery of cancer research into the health system following new clinical trials regulations which came into force in April 2026, including the relationship between research evidence, regulation, health technology assessment and NHS adoption, and the capacity of NHS organisations to support research alongside service delivery.
Areas for discussion include:
- coordination & leadership:
- alignment of activity across NIHR, the NHS Cancer Programme and the OLS - Cancer Trials Accelerator Programme and the NIHR Industry Hub
- accountability and implementation of the National Cancer Plan for England
- resourcing & funding:
- sequencing research priorities - utilising specialist research centres and trial networks - protecting non-commercial and academic studies - maintaining research capacity across NHS sites
- translating investment into benefits for patients and the NHS
- NHS uptake:
- priorities for infrastructure, commissioning and regulatory arrangements to support timely adoption of diagnostics, therapeutics and digital tools - supporting access across communities
- questions around procurement and system readiness - interaction between MHRA authorisation, NICE appraisal and NHS commissioning
- rare cancers:
- implementation of the Rare Cancers Act 2026 - priorities for the National Specialty Lead - orphan medicinal products review scope
- practical arrangements for identifying and contacting potential trial participants
- participation & lived experience:
- identifying potential trial participants - barriers to participation for underserved groups and those with rare cancers
- incorporating patient perspectives into trial design and delivery
Data, digital infrastructure & long-term implementation
Further sessions assess approaches to strengthening the use of digital tools in research and new treatment delivery, following the introduction of the Health Bill, which provides for the single patient record, and establishment of the Health Data Research Service.
Areas for discussion include:
- capability & investment: workforce capability - trial-ready equipment - investment needs - contribution of community-based care
- utilising data: development of national, linkable datasets - integration of genomic and clinical data - progress towards a single patient record and unified genomic record
- governance & trust:
- strengthening public trust - frameworks to facilitate responsible use of NHS data - questions around commercial access, public benefit and safeguards
- transparency over permitted uses and patient and public involvement in governance - streamlining regulatory pathways
- oversight & accountability:
- transfer of NHS England functions to the Department of Health and Social Care - implications for cancer programme oversight
- longer term direction of the National Cancer Plan’s genomic and research ambitions - measuring progress against the 2035 ambitions - consistency of access and delivery across England
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
