NGS & DX?

There's an interesting conversation going on about error rates in DNA sequencing in the Genomics (NGS) group on LinkedIn. Some are wondering if development of DNA sequencing diagnostic applications will be delayed by the experienced error rates (up to 4% on some platforms, including Oxford Nanopore.)

My take: I think the barriers to adoption of sequencing technologies as diagnostics are:

-any error-intolerant application is still likely to rely on RT-PCR for a while to come. (Example: detecting specific BCR-ABL mutations in CML patients.)

If you have a specific gene of interest, or even genes (up to about 10 or 20, depending on who you listen to) 

-PCR still wins the day, because of accuracy, speed, cost, privacy concerns, and the fact that PCR apps have familiar payor and FDA tracks. (Many PCR assays code for reimbursement <$300, so NGS still has a way to go to win on price.)

NGS, on the other hand will be used for broad discovery and in cases where patients are willing to pay out of their own pocket at least until the economics change, and the FDA approves a platform/assay combo such as Foundation Medicine. I'd say that we're at least 2 years away from that, regardless of error rate.    

Two other NGS points, neither worth a dedicated post for now: now that Oxford Nanopore and LifeTech are both promising ~$1,000 genome from new tech platforms:

-what does the future hold for BGI (Beijing Genomics Institute) that has made a name for itself by buying roomfuls of largely Illumina sequencers? I'd like to be a fly on the wall when someone suggests that they put 10's of millions of dollars of Illumina equipment out to pasture and invest further millions in new GridIon or Ion Torrent equipment.

-will Roche drop their Illumina takeover bid? A ~$6B hostile takeover of the former leader makes less sense now. It will also be interesting to see if ILMN's board changes their mind, and sells now.