Nine To Noon What needs to be done to protect the use of genetic testing
Mar 26, 2026
Andrew Schelling, a genomics and cancer researcher at the University of Auckland, explains why local genomic testing matters. He outlines how faster local analysis helps diagnosis, precision cancer treatment and prevention. Discussion covers examples of conditions helped, AI in diagnostics, and how insurance rules are causing people to decline testing and delay care.
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Local Genomic Testing Cuts Waits And Keeps Data Home
- New local genomic testing will cut turnaround times and improve data sovereignty for New Zealand patients.
- Canterbury Health Laboratories will analyse tests locally under a two-year pilot to avoid sending DNA overseas and build in-country capability.
Genomics Is Central To Diagnosis And Precision Care
- Genomics serves diagnosis, precision medicine, and risk prediction across many conditions.
- Andrew Schelling notes thousands of genetic diseases (about 7,500) where testing can clarify cause or guide care like cardiac, neurological, cancer and cystic fibrosis cases.
PARP Example Shows Testing Enables Targeted Cancer Drugs
- Andrew Schelling described PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer as a recent precision success benefiting a small subgroup.
- New Zealand has the drugs but lacks funded genetic tests to identify who will benefit, wasting potential value.