NeoGenomics is a cancer diagnostics company serving oncologists, pathologists, pharmaceutical companies, academic centers, and others with a broad, innovative testing portfolio.
Warren, what led you to join NeoGenomics?
I have spent around 30 years in the life science space, much of it with the German Merck, which gave me an international career and the opportunity to work closely with researchers across academia, pharma, and the medical device space. My focus has always been on bringing new therapies and solutions to market, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives. After 28 years, I wanted to get closer to the patient, so I transitioned to Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a general clinical diagnostics company.
I joined NeoGenomics about two years ago, a company that specializes exclusively in oncology diagnostics. Our mission is to save lives by improving patient care, and I have been driven by the impact we can have in oncology, a critical and transformative field in healthcare.
What is NeoGenomics' focus within the oncology diagnostics space?
When we think about the cancer continuum, it spans hereditary cancer (genetic predispositions), early detection and screening, diagnosis, therapy selection, and surveillance or recurrence monitoring. At NeoGenomics, we focus primarily on the last three—diagnosis, therapy selection, and surveillance.
Historically, our emphasis has been on diagnosing cancers, whether they are blood-based or solid tumors. However, we are strategically shifting our focus toward therapy selection, particularly within precision medicine, where we identify unique biomarkers and gene expressions to match patients with the most effective treatments. Surveillance is another growing area for us as we aim to detect recurrences early, enabling less invasive and more effective treatments with better patient outcomes.
Can we speak of a shift in diagnostics whereby it is becoming part of the therapeutic process itself?
Absolutely, diagnostics play an increasingly critical role in cancer treatment. Today, when a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it is no longer just about chemotherapy. There is a wide range of biomarkers and targeted therapies that can be used independently or in combination with traditional treatments. Matching a patient’s specific cancer profile with the right treatment options is essential for achieving the best outcomes.
This approach not only ensures the treatment is more effective but also minimizes invasiveness and toxicity. As a result, both diagnostics and precision medicine are becoming integral to modern cancer therapy. This trend will continue to grow as we advance our understanding of biomarkers and refine our ability to tailor treatments to each individual patient.
Would you say the landscape in cancer diagnostics has changed in a meaningful way in the two years since you joined NeoGenomics?
Absolutely. Oncology diagnostics moves at an unparalleled pace, partly due to the agile product development of laboratory-developed tests (LDT) in the U.S., which enables swift adoption of new technologies. Innovations in instrumentation, particularly in molecular next-generation sequencing (NGS) and proteomics, have significantly advanced our ability to detect and diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately. However, this rapid evolution presents challenges, particularly for providers trying to stay updated with the latest technologies to enhance patient care.
Another notable shift is the sheer volume of new cancer therapies being developed. Today, oncology is the primary focus for 19 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies. This convergence of advanced diagnostics, innovative therapies, and the growing application of data insights has made oncology a highly dynamic and transformative field in healthcare.
What is the most cutting-edge test NeoGenomics offers?
NGS is the cornerstone of our work in therapy selection and precision medicine. It provides the sensitivity, breadth, and speed required to analyze a wide array of genes, allowing us to deliver rapid results for treating physicians. This speed is critical, especially given the aggressive nature of many cancers where immediate treatment decisions are necessary.
We are also moving toward whole exome sequencing, which will provide deeper insights into patient genetics. While predicting outcomes is still in the future, these advancements help us to better inform treatment decisions. Our upcoming PanTracer liquid test, a highly sensitive blood-based NGS test launching next year, is another example of how we are expanding our capabilities to serve more patients.
Do you think mass cancer screening is achievable in the near future?
The concept of large-scale cancer screening is growing, and advancements in technology are enabling earlier detection than ever before. While this is an exciting prospect, the real challenge lies in clinical utility—knowing how to act on early detections. Current treatment guidelines and available therapies may not adequately address cancers detected at very early stages, leaving a gap in the continuum of care.
As screening technologies improve, bridging this gap will be essential. It is not enough to detect cancer early; we must also have effective treatment options and guidelines in place. While the potential for widespread cancer screening is promising, addressing these challenges will be crucial for its success.
NeoGenomics aims to reach one million patients annually by 2028. How do you plan to achieve this?
Currently, we serve approximately 584,000 patients annually, growing at about 7% per year. To reach our goal, we are expanding our menu of tests, such as the aforementioned PanTracer liquid test launching next year. This blood-based NGS test will allow us to serve a broader range of patients, particularly those we do not currently reach, accelerating our patient growth significantly.
Our strategy also involves enhancing collaborations with healthcare providers and increasing accessibility to our diagnostic solutions. By innovating and broadening our offerings, we aim to meet the needs of a more diverse patient population and move closer to our one-million-patient target.
What are your key collaborations, and how do they align with your goals?
We collaborate extensively with health systems, hospitals, and oncology providers to streamline care pathways and improve patient outcomes. By integrating our diagnostics and therapy selection tools into their workflows, we reduce administrative burdens, enabling providers to focus more on patient care. An example is our partnership with Lee Health, which recognized us with a Partners in Wellness Award for our contributions to community care.
In addition to healthcare systems, we partner with oncology solution providers to extend access to underserved areas. Collaborations with companies like Biotheranostics allow us to integrate their tools into our portfolio, broadening the treatment options available to physicians. These partnerships are critical to expanding our reach, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
What is NeoGenomics’ approach to international expansion?
We currently operate five sites in the United States and an R&D facility in Cambridge, UK, which supports pharmaceutical collaborations and clinical trials globally. In these partnerships, we provide diagnostic insights that help pharmaceutical companies understand patient responses to emerging therapies.
While our clinical solutions are currently available only in the U.S., we are actively exploring opportunities for international expansion. Expanding our footprint globally is a key focus as we aim to bring our advanced diagnostics to more patients worldwide.
Where do you hope to see NeoGenomics one year from now?
One year is a short time frame, but we are committed to addressing inequities in cancer care. Despite advances in oncology, rural and underserved communities often lack access to high-quality diagnostics and treatment. This disparity results in significant differences in patient outcomes, which we aim to bridge.
Our mission is to deliver the same quality of care found in leading medical centers, like MD Anderson, to rural communities. By providing solutions locally, we enable patients to stay within their support systems while receiving care. A year from now, I hope to report significant progress in extending our diagnostic and therapy selection services to these underserved areas.
