Provision of Sequencing Panel for Detection of Gene Fusions In Cancer

The All Wales Genomics Laboratory intends to procure an RNA sequencing panel to enable the identification of gene fusion events in somatic tissue samples.

AWGL currently offers a range of gene fusion detection services using predominantly fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) together with a limited number of qPCR assays. These tests cover the common genetic translocations seen in haematological malignancies, lymphomas, sarcomas and solid tumour referrals in a range of tissues including bone marrow, peripheral blood and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues.

In 2020/21 the laboratory received referrals from over 3000 samples for gene fusion translocation testing. Many of these samples were interrogated for more than 1 gene fusion event.

The laboratory intends to introduce and NGS assay that will ensure the following objectives are met-

• Workflow Standardisation - Introduction of a single NGS assay that can be used to detect a variety of clinically relevant gene fusions, across a range of sample types and cancers.
• Streamlining Analysis – NGS assay allows the transfer of fusion analysis from predominantly microscopy based analyses (FISH) to a more sensitive and standardised method.
• Service Improvement – Allows reduction of turnaround times by simultaneous detection of all clinically relevant gene fusion events using a protocol that is amenable to automation.
• Expansion of gene fusion testing repertoire - Flexibility in panel content for future proofing against new testing requirements in cancer.

We anticipate that an invitation to tender will be published in autumn 2021, with a view to begin service delivery in spring 2022.

AWGL invite suppliers to present their solution via Teams/Skype/Zoom on a mutually convenient time/date between Monday 5th July and Friday 16th July 2021.

The presentation should detail how your solution may best meet our needs with time for questions at the end.

Please contact Ryan James, ryan.james3@wales.nhs.uk to arrange a meeting, where you will be provided a list of information that the laboratory requests you cover in your presentation.