Contract Research Services

Oncologica’s Genomic Research Services provide high quality genetic testing and bioinformatics solutions.

Our Contract Research Services laboratory on the Chesterford Research Park, Cambridge is UKAS accredited (ISO15189) and CLIA certified.

Oncologica is a leading contract research organization specializing in small and large end-to-end bioinformatic CRO laboratory services. We offer bioanalytical clinical contract research to aid drug and targeted medicine innovation through our expertise in genetic cell-based assays, molecular biomarkers and  immunogenicity services.

We work as a collaborative CRO partner to deliver integrated bioanalytical contract research solutions for your genomic sequencing needs. We excel in bioinformatics contract research where extensive sequencing capabilities and accurate detection of variants are required.

    • Human genetics research partner
    • Outsource genetic studies
    • Bioanalytical pre-clinical contract research
    • Drug manufacturing bioanalytical research
    • UK based genetic CRO

    Genomic Sequencing Services

    Oncologica sequencing capabilities are suitable for:

    • Rare disease studies
    • Cancer exome analysis
    • Complex disease genomics
    • Translational research

    RNA Sequencing Services

    Our highly experienced bioinformatics team utilise lab sequencing and a leading genomic data library, for analysis and interpretation of:

    • Gene expression
    • Transcriptome analysis
    • RNA sequencing services

    Sequencing for the Microbiome

    Our wide range sequencing capabilities allows our researchers to sequence all given genomic DNA in a complex sample. This provides valuable insights into community biodiversity and function.  The sequencing data can be used for metagenomic assembly, function and gene resistance profiling.

    Bacterial RNA Sequencing

    Oncologica Sequencing provides bacterial RNA sequencing, which can identify and compare bacterial community in a sample by sequencing regions of the bacterial 16s rRNA gene.

    • Access Oncologica’s large database of genomic data 
    • Undertake bioinformatic analysis for taxonomy assignment
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    Molecular Pathology

    Research Papers

    Utilisation of semiconductor sequencing for the detection of predictive biomarkers in glioblastoma

    Utilisation of semiconductor sequencing for the detection of predictive biomarkers in glioblastoma

    Published: March 25, 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245817

    Gareth H Williams, Alexander Llewelyn, Robert Thatcher, Keeda-Marie Hardisty, Marco Loddo

    SARS-CoV-2 testing and sequencing for international arrivals reveals significant cross border transmission of high risk variants into the United Kingdom

    SARS-CoV-2 testing and sequencing for international arrivals reveals significant cross border transmission of high risk variants into the United Kingdom

    EClinical Medicine by the Lancet Published:July 14, 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101021

    Gareth H Williams, Alexander Llewelyn, Ruben Brandao, Kaiya Chowdhary,Keeda-Marie Hardisty, Marco Loddo (2021)

    Clinical, Radiometabolic and Immunologic Effects of Olaparib in Locally Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The OLTRE Window of Opportunity Trial

    Clinical, Radiometabolic and Immunologic Effects of Olaparib in Locally Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The OLTRE Window of Opportunity Trial

    Front Oncol. 2021; 11: 686776. Published online 2021 Jun 28. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.686776

    Alfredo Molteni, Alice Bruson, Carla Strina, Carlo Azzini, Daniele Generali, Davide Cerra, Elena Marasco, Elisa Zago, Fabiola Giudici, Francesco Schettini, Gareth H Williams, Giovanni Scambia, Giuseppina Barbieri, Giuseppina Ferrero, Ida Paris, Luciano Xumerle, Manuela Milani, Marco Loddo, Marco Ungari, Maria Chiara Lazzari, Maria Rosa Cappelletti, Marianna Sirico, Nicoletta Ziglioli, Ottavia Bernocchi, Sergio Aguggini, Silvia Paola Corona, Valeria Cervoni

    The actionable genomic mutational landscape in solid tumours

    The actionable genomic mutational landscape in solid tumours

    J Clin Oncol 38: 2020 (suppl; abstr e13642) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.e13642

    Loddo M, Hardisty KM, Thatcher RP, Haddow TE, Williams GH (2020)

    Immunofocus-PD-L1 high throughput quantitative next generation sequencing assay

    Immunofocus-PD-L1 high throughput quantitative next generation sequencing assay

    J Clin Oncol 38: 2020 (suppl; abstr e13521) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.e13521

    Williams GH, Thatcher RP, Haddow TE, Hardisty KM, Loddo M (2020)

    Druggable fusion gene landscape in solid tumors

    Druggable fusion gene landscape in solid tumors

    J Clin Oncol 38: 2020 (suppl; abstr e13517) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.e13517

    Williams GH, Thatcher RP, Nevado B, Haddow TE, Hardisty KM, Loddo M (2020)

    Dr David Fenelly

    MD FRCPI ESMO

    Former: Consultant Medical Oncologyst St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH); St Luke’s Hospital, National Maternity Hospital; St. Vincent’s Private Hospital; and Blackrock Clinic, Dublin; Member of International Advisory Board of Oneview Ltd. and Oneview Healthcare PLC; Member Director Centre for Colorectal Disease of SVUH;

    Member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology and Irish Society of Medical Oncology; Fellow of Royal College of Physicians; Formerly: Member of Breast and Gynaecological Cancer; Post Graduate Training from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre.

    Prof Umberto Tirelli

    MD

    Former: Consultant Medical Oncologyst National Cancer Institute Aviano; Specialist in Oncology, Hematology and Infectious Diseases; “Commendatore” of the Italian Republic, awarded by the President of the Republic for scientific merit; co-founder and VP of the Associazione Scientifica Galileo 2001; Member of the Technical Scientific Board (CTS) at Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) in Aviano, Istituto Nazionale Tumori; Assigned to the Scientific Council of AIN (Associazione Italiana Nucleare) on nuclear power; Former President of AIMAC (Cancer Patients Italian Association) and now part of the Scientific Council;

    Formerly appointed by the Italian Minister of Health as member of the National Oncology Commission; Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH),and the International Immune-compromised Host Society (IHS); Member of the Scientific Committee of the AIOTE (Italian Association of oncology of the elderly);

    Task Force Member (EORTC – European Org for Research and Treatment of Cancer) – Cancer in the elderly; Member of National Academy of Medicine for medical oncology (AIOM);  Environmental Comm. Committee mmber appointed by the Minister of the Environment.

    Prof Daniele Generali

    MD

    Former: Consultant Medical Oncologyst, Azienda Istituti Ospitalieri, Cremona and Prof of Medical Oncology, Trieste Univ; Former Prof of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford Univ. Member of the Board of European Commission for initiative on Breast Cancer; Director of the Unit of Molecular Therapy and Pharmacogenomics, Azienda Istituti Ospitalieri, Cremona; Clinical Director of the Italian Red Cross, Cremona Section; Scientific Director of the Association of Research in Oncology Onlus, Cremona.

    I would just like to thank you all for your help, support and professionalism this year, I contacted you after my recurrence of breast cancer, everything was explained to me in detail and I decided to go ahead with the test, I am so glad I did, every one I dealt with was so kind and encouraging, I was very scared about the journey ahead of me. The promptness of all the team was amazing my biopsy was collected quickly and I was contacted by Sarah constantly with updates on what was happening. As soon as the tests were completed I was sent the report with a follow up telephone call from the Doctor who talked me through it, he said he would be available to answer any further questions.

    I showed the report to my hospital. Doctors and they were impressed with the information gathered and I am on the drugs recommended in my report and I have been really well with no side effects. Thank you all again.

    I would like to pass not only my, but my father’s, gran’s and entire family and friends appreciation to not only Oncologica® but to you directly. Sarah, you went above and beyond what was expected, you took a personal interest and gave huge support. Your tone was always polite and you helped to listen to myself during the emotional moments when speaking. The hope you as a person gave and the encouragement, helped when I had to mount the challenge on behalf of my mother and father. Myself and my father agreed before taking to Oncologica® that as long as we tried all avenues and did everything we could for my late mother, this would be the only way we could coped.

    Without yourself and Oncologica® we would not have been able to achieve the goal. My late mother took hope, encouragement and huge amounts of mental positively from the work but more importantly the personal touch you gave. As a person your indirect support helped my late mother. A person who didn’t praise health professionals easily due to career in the NHS and private sector. She praised you from the information, hope and personal feel you gave. You helped to give her peace of mind and know all options were looked into. I can’t sum up our, my feelings as they hold you in the highest regard. Perhaps, to say you have our eternal gratitude summons it all.

    I just wanted to get in touch to thank you and the whole team at Oncologica® for the reports you did for my Dad. Despite a very poor prognosis, following the advice in the Oncologica® reports he has been receiving an immunotherapy drug under Dr Fennelly in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, since the early spring and is now in much better health. The latest scans show a significant reduction in the size of the main tumour and a stagnation in the growth of secondary tumours. He is no longer in significant pain and is able to enjoy day to day life again. Thank you all for your hard work, we really appreciate it.

    After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer my mothers only treatment option on the NHS was chemo therapy. The doctors gave her 6 months without treatment and only 9 with treatment but her quality of life would have been awful if undergoing chemo therapy.

    After finding Oncologica® their help, advice and support have been second to none. Their ground breaking analysis and treatment options enabled my mother to undergo immunotherapy which has successfully reduced the size of her tumour and thankfully she is still with us over 2 years later. This would have not been possible without Oncologica®!

    Without Oncologica® we do believe that my mother would no longer be with us but through them and their continued support she is still hear and enjoying her life with us and able to watch her grand children grow and play. We cannot thank Oncologica® enough for everything they have done and their continued support and cannot recommend them highly enough.” Many, many thanks from the whole family.

    Karan Jensen was diagnosed in 2017, aged 48 with cervical cancer. Karan ordered the Oncofocus® Test to identify additional treatment options and shares her story here in the following Q&A.

    How did your diagnosis come about?

    I had been having regular smear tests, but then one came back with irregular cells and the doctor asked to see me in 6 months time. We were moving, so I delayed going back, but when I did get to the doctors, they ended up doing a biopsy. Within 2 weeks I was diagnosed with Stage 2B cervical cancer with lymph node involvement.

    What happened after you were diagnosed?

    Treatment was started to cure my cancer. I had four cycles of chemotherapy plus 32 sessions of radiotherapy.

    Did this treatment work?

    Unfortunately, the tumour did not change with this type of chemotherapy, so I then started on alternative therapies.

    Did the second round of treatment work?

    I was meant to have six sessions of this chemotherapy, but after three, I had a scan and found out that the tumour had grown. I was told that there was no point continuing treatment as my cancer was incurable, and to go home and get things in order.

    Did you experience any side effects of chemotherapy?

    During chemotherapy, I was hospitalised four times with infections and neutropenic sepsis. The chemotherapy also caused swelling of my legs (lymphoedema), and my kidneys had been damaged so that I had to have a nephrostomy bag attached to collect urine.

    How did you feel when they told you that you cancer was incurable?

    I have an 11-year-old son, so I was not going to give up and did some research online on the best treatments for my cancer.

    What did you find searching online?

    I found out about the Oncofocus®® cancer test by Oncologica® on their website and got in touch.

    Was it easy getting the Oncofocus® test done?

    It cost £2000 but it was an easy decision to make. I just had to fill in a few forms and Oncologica® did all the work to get the biopsy from my hospital.

    What were the results of the Oncofocus® test?

    The test quickly came back that my tumour was exceptionally high in a protein called PD-L1, so it would respond really well to immunotherapy, which works by boosting a person’s immune system to help it recognise and fight cancer cells.

    What happened when you knew the results of the test?

    The treatment that the test recommended was not available on the NHS so my oncologist contacted Christie Hospital in Manchester, which was part of the PROCLAIM-CX-072 clinical trial that is investigating an experimental drug that targets PD-L1.
    I was very sick at this stage, and the doctors were not sure that I would be well enough to get into the trial. As my levels of PD-L1 were so high, however, they thought they had to give me the opportunity.

    Was this new treatment successful?

    I was meant to have four sessions of CX-072 plus ipilumumab every 3 weeks, plus CX-072 maintenance therapy for a year. Although the treatment was not as bad as chemotherapy and I did not lose any hair, it still made me feel very poorly. After the third session, I developed a bad reaction and the level of some of my white blood cells that fight infection, neutrophils, plummeted and could not be restored to normal. It was therefore too risky to continue the treatment.
    The good news was that a scan in March this year showed that the new therapy had reduced the tumour by 50%.

    Are you still receiving treatment?

    Even though the treatment has stopped, my immune system has taken over and is fighting the tumour. I am scanned every 2 months, and every time my tumour reduces by a further 0.5% to 1%. Last week I had another scan, and it had reduced by 3% and I feel better today than I have over the past 3 years.

    What are your thoughts on the Oncofocus® test?

    If I had had the test before receiving chemotherapy, this would have saved the NHS a load of money giving me a treatment that did not work and putting me through so much. I continue to need a nephrostomy bag due to the damage done by chemotherapy, which needs changing once a week and the tubes replaced in hospital every 3 months.

    What is happening now?

    We are now at the ‘watch and wait’ stage. However, as I have had such a good response to the immunotherapy and feel so much better, I can have more treatment if needed in the future. The swelling in my leg has gone down and I can now wear my shoes and move around normally again. I was so sick that I did not think that I would see last Christmas. Now I will get to experience Christmas again this year.

    Prof Giovanni Palazzoni

    MD

    Former Manager of the Centre for antiblastic drug (UFA) preparation, he has delivered ECM courses for nursing staff involved in antiblastic drugs, provided expertise on linear accelerators use and fissile material implants, he has managed a chemotherapy day hospital, Cobalt therapy plant and chemotherapy, biohazard drugs and vaccines which can potentially be fatal. He has managed partially inactivated pathogens, oncological radiotherapy, manipulated antineoplastic agents, run clinical physics lab simulations and managed the digital image processing for therapeutic planning at the Columbus Integrated Complex Gemelli and University Polyclinic Foundation.  He was also an editor of the bestselling book "Seno Buono Seno Cattivo" ie Good Breasts-Bad Breasts in art, illness, and reconstructive surgery.

    I was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in March 2018. I started radiotherapy, which worked well. The tumour then started to cause a build up of fluid in my abdomen, which chemotherapy helped to reduce. However, when the first line chemotherapy stopped working after 5 months and then the second line chemotherapy failed to work at all, the fluid returned and I had two stays in hospital to help drain it.

    Having exhausted standard therapy and become bedbound, I found out about the Oncofocus® Test from an online search. The overall process from submitting the form to Test results was easy and rapid. The company called to talk me through the process and to explain the results of the Test, and also took care of the logistics of collecting the sample from the hospital. It turned out that I have a rare cancer mutation and was lucky to have had a response at all to the initial chemotherapy.

    I had a remarkably effective and rapid response to the drugs that the Test recommended for my cancer mutation. After just 2 weeks of treatment, my abdomen returned to normal size. After 4 weeks of treatment, I was swimming, walking and fully enjoying all that life has to offer again. I am truly grateful for the significant improvement in quality of life I experienced, especially as I had no side effects from the new drugs. The extra months that this gave me meant that I had further quality time with my family and could prepare them better for life without me.

    A father of two with terminal cancer has been given new hope after being offered a free pioneering test to help find alternative treatments.

    Mick Weldon, 38, from Cambourne, has a rare form of stomach cancer which is resistant to conventional forms of treatment.

    In April, the News reported on Mick’s efforts to crowdfund enough money to cover the cost of analysis of new treatments.

    After reading his story, Cambridge-based research company Oncologica® approached Mick to offer a ground-breaking test for free.

    Mick was first admitted to hospital in December 2015 with a suspected ruptured ulcer, only to be later diagnosed with a cancer that had spread to his abdomen, liver, and surrounding organs.

    Doctors found that Mick had a rare subset of Stage 4 GIST stomach cancer called wild type SDH deficient, which is incurable, but could be held at bay by new drugs.

    Normally costing around £1,500, Mick under went an Oncofocus® test, which has been developed to detect every mutation linked to every drug and applicable to all tumour types.

    Oncologica® claim that the test can identify specific treatment options in 85 to 90 per cent of patients.

    Mick’s results show that a certain protein, PDL-1, expressed by his tumours, was acting as a ‘cloaking agent’ and effectively hiding the tumour from his immune system.

    He now hopes his crowdfunding efforts will help to finance three cycles of anti-PDL-1 drugs.

    “I’ve gone from having no options to a lot of options,” he said. “I’m amazingly positive. I’ve gone from a place where I had no hope to where I have a viable option. We’re all really upbeat.”

    Mick hopes new treatments will give him more time to spend with his wife Emma and daughters Charlie, 17, and Rebecca, 15.

    He previously said: “No one prepares for their own death, no wife wants to stand by and watch her once proud strong husband slowly degrade, and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it must be for two beautiful young ladies to watch the father they have looked up to for as long as they have known slowly slip away.”

    If Mick is able to secure the funding for his three cycles of drugs he hopes the evidence gathered will benefit other cancer patients.

    “The NHS needs evidence,” he said. “We have to prove these drugs are viable.”

    “I’d like to be in a position to start up a database where people can find this information where people can look up their options.”

    He also remains realistic about how any new drugs will help his condition, but very thankful to the support of Oncologica®.

    “Even if this fails, at least something is being done and I’m not just waiting to die,” Mick said.

    “[Oncologica®] are absolutely amazing people. It buoyed me up. Until that point I was coming to the end of conventional treatment.”

    Dr Marco Loddo, co-founder and scientific director at Oncologica®, said: “We saw the article and learnt about Mick’s story and in particular that his tumour type was quite rare and found out that he had exhausted all treatment options on the NHS.

    “We hoped that we might be able to help with our tests. We’re happy to help.”

    Oncologica® is a precision oncology services laboratory and contract research organisation founded in 2014.

    Its Oncofocus® test aims to help encourage a move away from toxic non-specific cancer treatments to the use of the new generation of biological anti-cancer agents called targeted therapies.

    Targeted therapies specifically hit cancer cells and not the normal cells of the body. They are said to be more effective than chemotherapy because patients are spared severe toxic side effects such as hair loss, infections, anaemia, gut toxicity and fatigue.

    Professor Gareth Williams, co-founder and medical director, said: “What we are doing is to optimise the treatment pathway to provide a roadmap and that can have huge benefits for patients. You can avoid all the toxicity issues.”

    For Patients

    Visit the following page to request a test

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    For Clinicians

    Visit the following page to request a test for your patient.

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