Denmark Strengthens National Collaboration on Molecular Diagnostics
Researchers from the Danish cancer centers participating in ProTarget have taken important steps toward harmonizing molecular diagnostics across Denmark. In a recently published study in Acta Oncologica, Dr. Christine Federspiel Secher and colleagues reported variability in the assessment of tumor mutational burden (TMB) between laboratories as part of the Danish National TMB Ring Trial.
Tumor mutational burden is an emerging tumor-agnostic biomarker associated with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and increasingly used to guide enrollment in clinical trials and treatment decisions. Despite its growing clinical relevance, TMB assessment is not yet standardized across sequencing platforms and bioinformatic pipelines.
The national ring trial included all seven Danish cancer centers routinely reporting TMB and compared results across multiple sequencing technologies, including whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and targeted gene panels. The study also evaluated the impact of different bioinformatic filtering strategies on TMB calculations.
Beyond identifying methodological differences, the initiative has strengthened national collaboration, improved data quality, and promoted transparency through shared analyses and cross-site dialogue. Together, these efforts establish a strong foundation for future harmonization of TMB assessment in Denmark and contribute to ongoing international efforts within precision oncology and genomic medicine.
Participating Danish Cancer Centers
- Aalborg University Hospital
- Aarhus University Hospital
- Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
- Odense University Hospital
- Rigshospitalet
- Vejle Hospital
- Zealand University Hospital