Cancer progression and harmful bacteria tracked with next-generation sequencing

Sequencing

Source: © Science Photo Library

Proof-of-principle study keeps an eye on leukaemia mutations and bacterial strains in patients

Next-generation sequencing can be used to continually assess and monitor risks in patients with leukaemia, a new proof-of-principle study has shown.

The new application for the technique, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as the cost of sequencing has fallen precipitously. This method could become even more widely used in tracking progression of cancers and other diseases in the future, paving the way for more targeted, personalised, and non-invasive treatments.