Royal Marsden & Automata Launch UK’s First Robotic Genomic Cancer Testing Facility

For the first time in the UK, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Automata Technologies have partnered to launch a robotic genomic testing facility for cancer patients. This cutting-edge technology will significantly increase the Trust’s genomics testing capacity and range, benefiting patients with faster and more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.

The collaborative effort between The Royal Marsden – a leading cancer care institution – and Automata Technologies is set to double the existing genomics testing capacity within the same laboratory space. The facility automates sample pathways for tissue biopsies, saliva, bone marrow and blood. This revolutionary system incorporates six robotic arms to maintain high capacity without sacrificing accuracy.

As a vital component of the Genomics Laboratory, which serves North London and surrounding areas, The Royal Marsden is now able to process more somatic tests and introduce new cancer genetic testing. This will predominantly focus on detecting gene mutations, which can significantly affect the risk and treatment of cancers such as ovarian and breast.

The establishment of the UK’s first fully automated clinical cancer genomic testing facility marks a milestone in the healthcare sector. This move not only enhances testing rate but also boosts research and development, promising a brighter future for cancer diagnosis and treatment. As the Automata CEO Mostafa ElSayed highlighted, this innovation redefines the standard of care and aims to positively impact patient outcomes across the UK.