Tempus, VA Expand Next-Generation Sequencing for Cancer Treatment

Tempus recently collaborated with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP) to expand access to next-generation sequencing offerings and support physicians delivering personalized treatment to cancer patients.

The multi-year agreement allows providers across the VA’s 171 Medical Centers to leverage Tempus’ next-generation sequencing tests, including its solid tumor and normal assay and liquid biopsy assay.

Notably, the company offers a conversion option to a blood-based liquid biopsy test which seamlessly delivers genomic results without delay to the clinician or patient.

“Our AI-enabled tests combine high-quality and comprehensive genomic data with clinical data for each patient being sequenced, which allows physicians to make truly personalized decisions as they seek the optimal therapy for their patients,” Eric Lefkofsky, founder and CEO of Tempus, said in the announcement.

“We look forward to supporting the VA as they expand access to precision medicine solutions in oncology care to those who have served our country and deserve the very best care we have to offer,” Lefkofsky continued.

Next-generation sequencing makes large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) accessible and practical for researchers. The technology enables scientists to analyze the entire human genome in a single sequencing experiment or sequence thousands to tens of thousands of genomes in one year. 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a major player in the sequencing space and recently launched its CE-IVD marked Ion Torrent Genexus Dx Integrated Sequencer, an automated, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform that delivers results in one day. 

The platform is designed for clinical laboratories and enables users to perform diagnostic testing and clinical research on a single instrument. The company’s overarching goal was to advance precision medicine in every clinical setting by allowing clinicians to leverage the power of comprehensive genomic information. 

Garret Hampton, president of clinical next-generation sequencing and oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, stated that next-generation sequencing has become an essential tool to bring the promise of precision medicine therapies to patients.