Genomic Medicine Sweden: Advancing precision medicine at the national level

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Authors: Anders Edsjö, Anna Lindstrand, Panagiotis Baliakas, David Gisselsson, Paula Mölling, Mia Wadelius, Åsa Johansson, Hannes Olauson, Hans Ehrencrona, Lovisa Lovmar, Christian G. Giske, Henrik Gréen
+47 more Ann Nordgren, Fulya Taylan, Martin Hallbeck, Erika Tång Hallbäck, Anna Gréen, Markus Heidenblad, Kina Höglund, Anders Jemt, C. Lindqvist, Maria Johansson Soller, Magnus Sabel, Colum Patrick Walsh, Hartmut Vogt, Craig E. Wheelock, Martin O. Bergö, Jens Enoksson, Ann Ekberg Jansson, Cecilia Fagerström, Jan Holgersson, Stephanie Anja Juran, Mats G. Karlsson, Frida Lundmark, Eva Tiensuu Janson, Andreas Muranyi Scheutz, Malin Sund, Päivi Östling, Sofia K. Gruvberger-Saal, Maréne Landström, Malin Melin, Lars Palmqvist, Richard Palmqvist, Bianca Stenmark, Anna Wedell, Malin Karnå, Katarina Nyström, Tobias Strid, Per Sikora, Maria Johansson, Therese Fagerqvist, Mirja Carlsson Möller, Oskar Frisell, Mats Ulfendahl, Mikaela Friedman, Lucia B. Cavelier, Valtteri Wirta, Thoas Fioretos, Richard Rosenquist
Cited by: 1
References: 90

Abstract

High-throughput sequencing has transformed clinical diagnostics of rare diseases (RD), cancer and infectious diseases by enabling the identification of disease-causing genetic alterations and facilitating individualised treatment and care. In response to these advances, Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) was established in 2017 as a national collaborative effort to accelerate implementation of genomics-based precision medicine within Sweden's regionally organized, publicly funded healthcare system. GMS brings together the seven university healthcare regions and their associated medical faculties, in collaboration with healthcare regions across Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, patient organizations, industry and governmental agencies. Activities are coordinated through national disease-specific expert groups, supported by cross-cutting functions in bioinformatics, health economics, ethics, education and patient engagement. At the operational level, seven Genomic Medicine Centres, embedded at university hospitals, develop and deliver harmonised genomic diagnostics nationwide. The National Genomics Platform provides secure infrastructure for large-scale data storage, analysis, and national and international data sharing. Following initial project-based funding, GMS now receives long-term governmental support. This review describes the national implementation of genomic-based precision diagnostics, discusses challenges and lessons learnt, and highlights key milestones across disease areas, including whole-genome sequencing in RD and paediatric cancer, comprehensive genomic profiling of haematological malignancies and solid tumours, pathogen genomics in microbiology, pharmacogenomic testing and emerging applications of polygenic risk scores in complex diseases. Collectively, these efforts have contributed to more than 500,000 genomic tests being performed within Swedish healthcare between 2017 and 2025. Finally, we outline future diagnostic needs and priority areas to ensure sustainable, scalable and equitable access to precision medicine.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Genomics and Rare Diseases Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics BRCA gene mutations in cancer

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Internal Medicine
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
300
Issue
4
Pages
397–419
Publication date
6 July 2026
Language
EN