Recent developments in research allowing for the DNA analysis of formalin-fixed samples have allowed for greater accessibility to tumor sample data, removing the limitation of only being able to analyze fresh samples. In this interview, Andrew Beggs, FRCS (Gen), PhD, of the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, discusses his groups contribution to the advancement of the DNA analysis of formalin-fixed materials through exome sequencing. Dr Beggs also highlights the potential of single cell sequencing and the benefits that it would bring to advancing our understanding of tumor biology. This video was recorded at the 2017 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference, held in Liverpool, UK.