Salford, UK, 28 October 2026 – EMQN CIC and the Precision Cancer Consortium (PCC) have agreed a partnership to support wider laboratory participation in EMQN’s external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in solid tumors. The PCC’s support will help reduce the cost of participation for eligible laboratories, while EMQN will deliver an independent assessment of testing performance.

CGP uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to examine a broad range of cancer-related genomic alterations in a single test. As its use expands, laboratories need opportunities to check that their testing can reliably identify relevant alterations. EQA allows laboratories to compare their results against validated reference materials, identify areas for improvement and strengthen confidence in the quality of testing.

“CGP can only fulfil its potential when laboratories have the opportunity to demonstrate and improve the quality of their testing,” said Dr Simon Patton, Chief Executive Officer of EMQN. “The PCC’s support will help more laboratories take part in independent EQA and use the feedback to strengthen their practice. This is a practical step towards more consistent genomic testing for people with cancer.”

Under the partnership, the PCC will promote the scheme and subsidize participation, helping reduce a potential barrier to access. EMQN’s 2027 pan-cancer scheme will use artificial formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) materials to assess laboratory genotyping performance across relevant classes of genomic alterations. Participating laboratories will receive individual feedback, and EMQN will produce an aggregated report on scheme performance. The partners also plan to share learnings from the scheme through a webinar.

“Expanding access to comprehensive biomarker profiling is not only about increasing the availability of testing, but also about ensuring confidence in the quality of the results,” said Dr. John Longshore, Chair of the PCC. “Through this partnership with EMQN, we are helping laboratories access independent quality assessment while supporting accurate genomic testing for patients. By working together, we can reduce barriers to participation in quality assessment, share best practices, and strengthen the foundations needed to realize the full potential of precision oncology.”

The project is scheduled to begin in 2027, with participating laboratories expected to receive scheme results later that year. Further information on participation and eligibility is available through EMQN (www.emqn.org).

About EMQN

EMQN CIC is a science lead company that exists to strengthen global trust in genomic and laboratory testing, ensuring every patient receives results they can rely on. For laboratories committed to delivering accurate, high-quality diagnostics, EMQN provides independent performance evaluation, global benchmarking, and expert guidance that drives continuous improvement. By combining rigorous UKAS-accredited External Quality Assessment (EQA) with internationally recognized expertise and collaborative learning, EMQN empowers laboratories to raise standards, reduce errors, and deliver better outcomes for patients.

About the Precision Cancer Consortium

The PCC is a consortium of pharmaceutical companies dedicated to advancing precision oncology through collective action. By bringing together expertise from across the healthcare ecosystem, the PCC is dedicated to a future where every person with cancer—regardless of who they are or where they live—can benefit from precision oncology. Through global collaboration, we work to make biomarker-informed, data-driven patient identification and personalized care standard practice.

Media Contact

EMQN CIC
3 Exchange Quay
Salford, United Kingdom
Email: contact-us@emqn.org
Website: www.emqn.org

Arian Vahidansari
Indigo Medical, on behalf of the Precision Cancer Consortium (PCC)
Email: arian.vahidansari@indigomedical.co.uk
Phone: +44 7415 125 031
Website: https://www.precisioncancerconsortium.com/