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Precision oncology depends on timely access to comprehensive biomarker insights. As targeted therapies continue to expand in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors, rapid next-generation sequencing (NGS) helps healthcare institutions accelerate molecular profiling when treatment decisions matter most.
Traditional biomarker testing strategies often rely on sequential single-gene assays, which can potentially increase turnaround times and consume valuable tissue samples. Rapid NGS workflows help address these challenges by enabling comprehensive genomic profiling from limited tissue in a significantly shorter timeframe.
Figure 1. Rapid next-generation sequencing workflow.
Rapid NGS delivers faster NSCLC biomarker insights
NGS experts have studied how both academic and community healthcare systems are implementing rapid NGS to streamline testing and improve operational efficiency.
One community hospital transitioned from a legacy single-gene testing model to a consolidated rapid lung NGS workflow. This integrated approach helped centralize NSCLC biomarker testing into a single process, supporting faster reporting while helping laboratories save time and resources. (Watch webinar on demand)
Rapid turnaround time remains a critical factor in oncology care. Thermo Fisher educational materials note that rapid lung NGS workflows can deliver a complete biomarker profile in as little as 1–3 days when integrated alongside histopathology workflows.
"By selecting the appropriate methods, optimizing sample handling, supporting rapid and reliable results, and collaborating effectively with clinical teams, pathologists can significantly contribute to the success of personalized cancer treatment. Using rapid NGS, we analyze both tissue and liquid biopsy samples, achieving a TAT of up to 3 days in 82% of cases and a failure rate of <1%.[1]
Prof. Bence Sipos, MD, Head of Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Baden-Württemberg
Rapid NGS preserves tissue and expands access to comprehensive genomic profiling
Another important advantage is tissue preservation. Amplicon-based rapid NGS approaches can deliver results using smaller sample inputs, helping laboratories maximize successful testing from limited tissue samples.
Figure 2. Comparison of sample input required for various NGS methods.
Community hospitals are increasingly adopting integrated and automated workflows to bring comprehensive genomic profiling closer to patients. One community hospital in Canada highlighted how in-house rapid NGS can help reduce turnaround times, strengthen collaboration between pathology and oncology teams, and improve access to actionable biomarker data within local healthcare systems. (Watch webinar on demand)
As precision oncology continues to evolve, rapid NGS is playing an increasingly important role in helping laboratories and clinicians deliver comprehensive genomic insights faster, supporting more informed treatment decisions when timing matters most.
References
1. Rolfo C et al. (2024) Maximising the synergy of tumour tissue and liquid biopsy testing in oncology clinical practice. EMJ Oncol 12(1):49–56.
PMR-005038