Oncology News Central (ONC)Thermo Fisher Scientific & Pfizer Partner to Expand Localized Access to Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Testing for Cancer Patients in International Markets

Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific have partnered to expand access to next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing for lung and breast cancer patients in over 30 countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The collaboration aims to address the limited availability of advanced genomic testing in these regions. Local access to NGS testing can provide faster analysis of associated genes, enabling healthcare providers to select the most appropriate therapy for individual patients. Thermo Fisher will identify local laboratories that will use their NGS technology and ensure they meet industry standards, while Pfizer will explore ways to make NGS testing affordable and raise awareness among healthcare providers. The companies plan to expand geographically and extend testing to other types of cancer.

The global burden of cancer is expected to rise significantly, with breast and lung cancer being the leading types responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. To improve treatment outcomes, the collaboration seeks to deliver precision insights to underserved patients through rapid NGS testing conducted in decentralized labs closer to where patients are treated. The program aims to provide tailored care for cancer patients worldwide, acknowledging that individualized approaches based on precise disease characteristics are often required. By adopting next-generation sequencing, which screens multiple biomarkers simultaneously, clinical teams can receive actionable genomic insights faster, aiding in the decision-making process for precision oncology treatment. A retrospective study demonstrated that initiating treatment based on molecular results led to better outcomes compared to initiating treatment before obtaining those results, emphasizing the importance of rapid molecular testing in guiding treatment decisions.