We are proud to recognise the role Health Services Laboratories (HSL) played in supporting the landmark OPTIMA breast cancer clinical trial, the results of which were presented last week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual conference.

As the centralised UK laboratory for the trial, HSL Advanced Diagnostics (HSL-AD) at 60 Whitfield Street performed molecular profiling for more than 3,600 patients. This included pre-analytical assessment and Prosigna (PAM50) testing. The laboratory validated patient eligibility, generated molecular risk scores and delivered results to the trial management group, directly informing treatment allocation.

The OPTIMA trial involved more than 4,400 breast cancer patients and sought to determine whether genomic testing could safely support treatment decisions, helping identify patients who may be able to avoid cytotoxic chemotherapy without compromising their prognosis.

The findings demonstrate the important role genomic testing can play in personalised medicine, helping clinicians identify the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. For patients with low molecular risk scores, the trial found that hormone therapy alone delivered comparable outcomes, helping to avoid the physical and emotional impact of cytotoxic chemotherapy and its associated side effects.

For colleagues involved in the trial, the findings have been a source of considerable pride.

Susana Moutinho, HSL-AD Molecular Lead, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the technical delivery team for OPTIMA over the last six years. It is incredibly rewarding to know that the teamwork behind the scenes has contributed to meaningful and tangible patient benefits and demonstrates how important biomedical science is to precision medicine.”

David Allen, Cellular Pathology Manager at 60 Whitfield Street, said: “It is a relief to have seen this trial from start to finish and to know that the hard work and dedication of past and present team members has had such a positive impact on patient outcomes.”

Yasmin Hassan, Biomedical Scientist, said: “Seeing the real-world impact of the OPTIMA trial was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my contribution has helped support research that has reduced unnecessary treatment for patients makes me very proud.”

Areti Konstantinou, Medical Laboratory Assistant, said: “I felt extremely proud to be part of the OPTIMA trial team and it is incredible to know that the study has made a real impact on people who need it.”

Sara Carvalho, Biomedical Scientist, said: “It is with a full heart that I see the positive impact the OPTIMA trial is making on patient treatment. For someone like me with a family history of breast cancer, being part of the OPTIMA team is deeply meaningful.”

This work reflects the very best of our values in action: scientific expertise, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving patient care.