PerkinElmer, Inc.has entered into a collaboration with Dr John Iafrate and Dr Long Le of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Pathology Department and Cancer Centre to develop a sequencing informatics system for profiling the genetic changes in tumors for use in advanced cancer research.

Based on PerkinElmer’s Geospiza informatics platforms, the new system is expected to help guide the development of cancer treatments by enabling genotype analysis to define key genetic targets from which clinically relevant information can be leveraged.  

Under the terms of the agreement, PerkinElmer will develop a highly automated sample preparation and data analysis system suitable for cancer genotyping in clinical research at the MGH Pathology Department and Cancer Center.  PerkinElmer’s Geospiza GeneSifter Laboratory and Analysis edition software platform will be enhanced with sophisticated variant detection algorithms. The new system will also integrate existing laboratory processes and equipment with enhanced LIMS and data analysis capabilities.

The informatics system will support the cancer research of Dr Long Le and Dr John Iafrate of the MGH Pathology Department and Cancer Centre. “A key challenge presented by next generation sequencing applications in clinical research  is not only maintaining high efficiency and throughput via automation solutions, but also ensuring that the informatics driving the instrumentation provides transparency and traceability for the entire process,” said Dr Le.

Kevin Hrusovsky, president of Life Sciences & Technology at PerkinElmer, said, “Working with the MGH Pathology Department and Cancer Centre to support their critically important cancer research is a deeply rewarding collaboration and is consistent with our goal to help researchers eradicate this deadly disease. We are delighted to provide MGH with a complete next generation sequencing informatics and sample preparation solution to help advance their medical research.”

The MGH Pathology Department and Cancer Centre are currently using the high quality service and data from PerkinElmer’s DNA Sequencing Services group and deploys PerkinElmer’s Sciclone automated liquid handling platform and the NGS Express Workstation for benchtop sequencers.

PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment.