Thousands of patients with suspected brain tumours could get a diagnosis sooner as the NHS launches a world-first pilot of a rapid genomic test.
Clinicians and researchers at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham have led on a way of rapidly diagnosing brain tumours while patients are still undergoing surgery. The testing, which is now being piloted by NHS England at hospitals across the country, will give rapid information about tumour biology to inform treatment and potential access to clinical trials.
The technology is also supporting the pioneering work at our Centre to understand and predict glioblastoma recurrence, and identify targeted treatments that could stop glioblastoma coming back.
The cutting-edge technology works by quickly analysing the DNA or genetic code of a small tumour sample taken during biopsy or surgery, helping doctors identify what type of brain tumour the patient has. It could mean patients receive a definitive brain tumour diagnosis in days, rather than weeks, meaning they can start treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy sooner if needed.
For patients having surgery to remove a brain tumour where the exact tumour type is not known, the rapid genomic test can be done and results delivered to the surgeon in under two hours while the operation is still under way – helping them decide how much of the tumour to safely remove while protecting healthy brain tissue.
A faster diagnosis will also help patients access suitable clinical trials earlier, as some trials require the precise genetic make-up of a tumour before a patient can take part.
Professor Frankie Swords, NHS Medical Director, said the rapid test is “a huge leap forward for patients” with the “potential to completely transform how we diagnose brain tumours”.
The NHS England pilot builds on the successful pilot already under way in Nottingham and Birmingham and will initially take the technology into five specialist centres before expanding further across England.
The rapid genomic test was developed by scientists and medics at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Stuart Smith, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and co-lead of our Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham, said: “I am very proud to have been part of this exceptional team creating this rapid genomic testing which will save valuable waiting time for patients who potentially are being told they don't have time on their side.
“The ability to have detailed information about the tumour at the point when decisions are being made in the operating theatre is game-changing.
“In some cases that can help us judge how far we should safely go while protecting healthy brain tissue.
“This gives us a glimpse of how brain tumour surgery could change in the future - with genomic information available during the operation itself, helping us make more informed decisions for each individual patient.”
Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research and Policy at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Genomic testing has the power to transform diagnosis, treatment and research for brain tumours, but current turnaround times are in many cases too long to inform care and access to clinical trials, especially for more aggressive forms of the disease. This rapid testing pilot is a hugely promising development towards improving outcomes for brain tumour patients. We continue to work with partners to ensure that access to genomic testing is equitable across the UK so that where you are diagnosed does no dictate your treatment options."
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