MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: This medical school seminar paper defines and explains the applications of New Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques, with a narrowed focus on Illumina sequencing. First, a variety of NGS techniques are defined and briefly compared between each other and traditional sequencing methods. Second, Illumina sequencing is explained in detail. Specifically, the molecular mechanism of Illumina sequencing is described, and how it compares to older sequencing methods. Third, the potential clinical applications of Illumina sequencing are discussed. Illumina sequencing will likely play a critical role in early typing of cancers that currently have high mortality rates. Early detection and treatment will potentially drastically improve prognoses for cancer patients. Fourth, current limitations are discussed. Especially because the technology is still relatively novel, widely applicable clinical uses have not yet been developed. The paper closes with future directions that Illumina sequencing will take.

WC = 140

Reader’s Profile: I imagine a reader that is skeptical that sequencing can be applied to a clinical setting. Readers may be students or clinicians.

Reader’s Response: Hmm. This sequencing technology seems useful for labs and association studies, but how can sequencing be used in a hospital or a doctor’s office? How are the cancers typed, exactly? Isn’t it very expensive to do this kind of thing, regardless of how much easier it is to do it nowadays? Maybe I should read more about how DNA is sequenced in labs in the first place. If sequencing is going to start affecting physicians’ decisions, maybe I should get ahead of the ball.

J -- in answer to the skeptical reader, can you remind about the general and accepted move toward personalized medicine? This technique is just one type of this shift. Can you address price? When will this be more widespread? Five years? Ask me in class for an idea on this.