Sarah Cannon Research Institute, the Nashville-based cancer arm of HCA International, and UCL-Advanced Diagnostic (part of the UCL Cancer Institute), will team to develop a genetic profiling laboratory in London.

The London-based laboratory introduces new techniques that allow doctors to discover the gene alterations which drive cancer and to deliver these as diagnostic tests. This will allow doctors to better decide what treatment is most appropriate. This approach, called ‘precision or personalised medicine’, is of particular interest in difficult cases where standard therapies are not working or not defined.

The laboratory introduces a new method, developed by UCL scientists, for the detection of mutations in a large number of genes in a single test. The test also uses the same samples as existing pathology tests rather than requiring fresh tissue. These innovations combine to make genetic profiling considerably cheaper and more practical to carry out by health services than other techniques developed to date.

Guy Savage, owner of Sabre Defence Industries, the arms manufacturing firm accused of illegally shipping weapons in violation of international law, had his extradition hearing at the City of Westminter Magistrates' Court in England delayed this week until May 6. Earlier this week, four senior officers of his U. S. subsidiary based in Nashville pleaded guilty to federal charges and are expected to provide evidence against the British citizen.

Looking to capitalize on the throngs expected to arrive in London next month for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau officials have wrapped 10 taxis in the Music City brand.