#United Kingdom #Cancer Research #Pleasanton, California #10x Genomics #PharosAI

PharosAI and 10x Genomics: A Game-Changer in Cancer Research

In a groundbreaking initiative unveiled on February 4, 2026, 10x Genomics, a leading figure in single-cell and spatial biology, has joined forces with PharosAI, a consortium of four eminent UK institutions. This collaboration aims to create one of the most extensive multimodal cancer datasets ever assembled, utilizing advanced AI models to revolutionize cancer research and treatment.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise marks a new chapter in precision medicine. Backed by an impressive £18.9 million investment from the UK Government's Research Ventures Catalyst, along with additional contributions from charities and industry partners, the PharosAI initiative seeks to accelerate early diagnosis, empower targeted therapies, and hasten the discovery of innovative cancer treatments.

A Collaborative Force

PharosAI comprises notable institutions, including King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, and Barts Health NHS Trust. Each institution contributes unique resources, integrating clinical insights with advanced research technology. By employing the 10x Genomics Xenium spatial platform, they will transform decades of archived NHS cancer samples into detailed, multimodal datasets.

This integration facilitates a comprehensive understanding of cancer biology and opens doors for researchers and clinicians globally. Professor Anita Grigoriadis, CEO of PharosAI and Professor of Molecular and Digital Pathology at King's College London, highlights the challenge that various inaccessible data presents to the advancement of cancer care. PharosAI aspires to dissolve these barriers by providing rich datasets and state-of-the-art AI analytical tools aimed at improving diagnoses and therapeutic outcomes.

Focused Initiatives on Major Cancers

Initially, the initiative will concentrate on breast cancer, with plans to expand to lung and pancreatic cancers in subsequent phases. The aim is to include thousands of clinical tissue samples, making AI-ready datasets versatile for various research applications. By interlinking genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, and spatial biology data, PharosAI is set to unveil hidden patterns that could lead to new diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities.

Serge Saxonov, CEO of 10x Genomics, emphasizes that producing high-quality, consistent data is crucial for turning insights into tangible benefits for cancer research. The Xenium platform offers the necessary reproducibility, enabling the consortium to work with historical NHS samples effectively. This robust framework forms the backbone for advancements in cancer research, promising a much clearer path toward breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Democratizing Access to Data

A critical aspect of the PharosAI program is its commitment to democratizing access to cancer data. The initiative aims to ensure that researchers and innovators across the spectrum can access these datasets securely. As it extends through 2027, this program positions the UK at the global forefront of AI-driven cancer research, fostering an ecosystem poised for significant discoveries in precision medicine.

In conclusion, the partnership between PharosAI and 10x Genomics exemplifies the synergy of technology and healthcare. By harnessing AI and spatial biology to create an unparalleled dataset, this initiative not only seeks to enhance our understanding of cancer but also aims to save countless lives through early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.