As we approach World Cancer Day on February 4th, this episode of DNA Today takes a global look at how cancer diagnostics are evolving, not just in research settings, but in real-world clinical laboratories where innovation must meet reliability, scalability, and patient impact.

In this conversation, we bring together three experts from around the world working at the intersection of oncology diagnostics, sequencing technology, and clinical implementation.

Joining us from Portugal is Dr. Jorge Lima of IPATIMUP, one of Europe’s leading oncology centers known for its research-driven diagnostic mission. From Italy, Bernard Okere joins us as a Field Application Scientist at MGI Tech, a company providing a full spectrum of sequencing platforms and automation solutions for life science and clinical laboratories worldwide. And from China, we’re joined by Nancy Yang, International Senior Business Development Manager at Gene+, a genetic testing and precision oncology company behind one of the largest oncology gene panels currently in clinical use.

Together, we explore how IPATIMUP has implemented large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing, including Gene+’s 1,021-gene DNA panel and RNA sequencing, to expand diagnostic confidence while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. This episode dives into validation, automation, workflow design, and cross-company partnerships, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how modern oncology labs grow without compromising quality.

In This Episode, We Discuss Setting the Stage: IPATIMUP’s Role in Oncology

How IPATIMUP fits into Europe’s oncology landscape
Why a research-driven approach is central to its diagnostic mission

From Research to Routine Diagnostics

Translating research findings into clinical workflows
Balancing innovation with responsibility in patient-facing diagnostics

Choosing the Right Technology Partner

Why IPATIMUP selected MGI sequencing platforms
What differentiates MGI’s technology in oncology applications
The importance of flexibility across DNA and RNA testing
Why long-term technical collaboration matters beyond installation

Large Gene Panels in Clinical Practice

How Gene+ selected the 1,021 genes included in its oncology panel
Real-world experience using large DNA and RNA panels in routine diagnostics
Why the Gene+ panel pairs effectively with MGI’s sequencing platforms
What it takes to move from validation to clinical implementation

RNA Sequencing as a Diagnostic Advantage

How RNA sequencing complements DNA-based testing in oncology
When RNA sequencing provides the most clinical value
How RNA data can increase diagnostic confidence in complex cases

Automation, Scale, and Quality

Why automation is essential for high-throughput oncology labs
Reducing hands-on time and minimizing human error
Practical advice for labs looking to scale while maintaining consistency and quality

Relevant Resources:

IPATIMUP
MGI Tech
MGI’s Sequencing Platforms
Gene+ (Website currently under construction)

Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:

#355 How Genomics Is Transforming Rare Disease Diagnosis in Turkey with MGI Tech

#360 Hereditary Breast Cancer on the Big Screen with “Love, Danielle”

#364 Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Italy: A Curated Gene Panel

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#379 Global Cancer Diagnostics: Building High-Quality Cancer Genomic Testing