‘Gamechanging’ brain tumour test reduces diagnosis from eight weeks to two hours — SkimNews
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- University of Nottingham developed a rapid genomic test that analyzes tumour DNA via nanopore sequencing, delivering results within hours instead of weeks
- NHS England began piloting the test at five specialist centres, including Nottingham and Great Ormond Street hospital, with expansion planned to Bristol, Oxford, Leeds, and Manchester
- Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence created the shoebox-sized sequencing method using Oxford Nanopore technology, allowing real-time genetic analysis during surgery
- Prof Frankie Swords called the tool 'a huge leap forward for patients', emphasizing its potential to transform brain tumour diagnosis across the NHS
- Stuart Smith said having genomic data during surgery is 'gamechanging', enabling immediate clinical decisions for patients who 'do not have time on their side'
Why it matters: Patients with aggressive brain tumours gain critical time: reducing diagnosis from eight weeks to two hours allows earlier treatment and access to trials, directly impacting survival odds for the leading cause of cancer death in under-40s in the UK.
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