QuicDNA Max Launch Celebrated at the Senedd to mark the next phase of liquid biopsy testing in Wales

13 March 2026

On Wednesday 10 March, NHS Wales colleagues, partner organisations and industry stakeholders gathered at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to celebrate the launch of QuicDNA Max.

Sponsored by Russell George MS, the event marked an important milestone as the QuicDNA Max programme expands across additional solid tumour types. The initiative aims to support more timely and targeted treatment decisions and help improve cancer outcomes for patients across Wales.

The expansion follows the success of the original QuicDNA initiative, which explored the use of liquid biopsy in the lung cancer diagnostic pathway. The study demonstrated how liquid biopsy can speed up genomic diagnosis and improve access to personalised treatments. As a result, liquid biopsy has now been commissioned into the standard care diagnostic pathway for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer across Wales. QuicDNA Max will build on this success by scaling the technology across multiple cancer diagnostic pathways to support faster treatment decisions and more personalised care nationwide.

The event was opened by sponsor Russell George MS and chaired by QuicDNA project leads Dr Magda Meissner and Sian Morgan. It featured an overview from health system leaders, a presentation from clinicians directly involved in the programme followed by a panel discussion. The panel brought together NHS oncologists, industry partners and patient advocate Craig Maxwell and his wife Tracey Maxwell to share perspectives on the impact of innovation in cancer care.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Carys Thomas, Head of Research and Development Policy for Science, Research and Evidence at the Welsh Government, before attendees continued discussions during a networking reception.

Alongside programme leaders Magdalena Meissner and Sian Morgan, the programme has now also established notable tumour specific clinical leads:

• Colorectal cancer – Prof Richard Adams
• Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) – Dr Sonali Dasgupta
• Prostate cancer – Prof John Staffurth
• Lung cancer – Dr Paul Shaw

Wales is leading the way in evaluating liquid biopsy cancer genomics, and QuicDNA Max is a powerful example of how cutting-edge innovation can translate into real-world impact. Liquid biopsies offer faster genomic results, fewer invasive procedures and greater equity of access. By scaling this approach nationally, there is an opportunity to improve care for thousands of people and strengthen cancer services for the future.

Suzanne Rankin, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Senior Responsible Officer for the QuicDNA Programme, said:

“Wales is leading the way in evaluating liquid biopsy cancer genomics and QuicDNA Max is a powerful example of how cutting-edge innovation may translate into real world impact.

“Liquid biopsies offer faster genomic results, fewer invasive procedures and greater equity of access. By scaling this nationally, we have an opportunity to improve care for thousands of people and strengthen cancer services for the future. I'd like to thank all our partners whose collaboration showcases the strength of joint working across Wales and our shared commitment to improving cancer outcomes.”

Learn more about QuicDNA Max: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/centre-for-trials-research/research/studies-and-trials/view/quicdna-max