Overview

• The NHS has begun offering DNA blood tests for lung and breast cancer patients to identify tumour mutations and fast-track personalised treatment plans.
• A five-year programme will deliver personalised mRNA cancer vaccines to up to 10,000 NHS patients based on individual tumour genetics.
• Professor Sir Stephen Powis will step down this month and be succeeded by Professor Meghana Pandit and Dr Claire Fuller as NHS England’s medical leadership transitions.
• Professional bodies warn of a postcode lottery in supportive cancer services and are urging urgent investment ahead of potential industrial action by junior doctors.
• Powis cautions that an ageing population and economic pressures could challenge the sustainability of recent cancer care advances.