Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a genetic test that can diagnose brain tumors in just two hours, reducing traditional waiting time of 6-8 weeks. This breakthrough could change the care of thousands of patients each year, eliminating the painful uncertainty of lengthy waiting times and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
The method was detailed in a study published in Neurooncology on May 21, using innovative nanopore sequencing techniques to rapidly analyze tumor DNA and provide an accurate diagnosis during surgery. In clinical testing of 50 brain tumor surgeries, the method achieved a 100% success rate, providing diagnostic results within two hours of the surgery.
For patients like Charles Trigg, a 45-year-old from Leicestershire, who was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in April, the rate is very different. Although he is still waiting for his genetic test results to pass traditional methods, the new technology has achieved results in just one week.
Why speed is important for patients with brain tumors
Brain tumors hit with devastating frequency – 34 people are diagnosed every day in the UK alone, with more than 12,000 cases a year. For the most aggressive forms, the average survival rate may be less than a year, so rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation is crucial.
Traditional diagnostic pathways are hindered by technical limitations. Brain tumors require complex genetic testing, which often have to be sent to a professional facility, creating widespread delays before the patient understands what type of tumor it has and what the prognosis may be.
Can faster diagnosis save lives? Nottingham researchers believe this is the case, pointing out that long waiting times can not only cause psychological distress, but can also actively reduce the therapeutic effect by delaying the onset of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
How the test works: Real-time DNA sequencing
This new approach, called Robin (Fast Nanopore Intra-brain Classification), utilizes a portable DNA sequencing device developed by Oxford nanopore technology. Instead of visually examining cells under a microscope, the system classifies tumors through their unique DNA and genetic abnormalities.
Dr. Stuart Smith, Department of Neurosurgery from the University School of Medicine and University Hospital of Nottingham, explains this: “Traditionally, the process of diagnosing brain tumors is slow and expensive. Now with this new technology, we can do more for patients because we can get bigger answers faster because it will have a greater impact on clinical decision-making.”
The test is so rapid that results can be provided while the surgery is still in progress, possibly allowing surgeons to adjust their approach based on real-time information about a specific tumor type.
From laboratory to patient care
Professor Matt Lose, a biologist from the School of Life Sciences, helped develop the technology, explains how they speed up the time-consuming process: “When we were first able to sequence the entire human genome in 2018, it took about five labs and six months, which is obviously ideal when patients are essentially ideal.”
The team’s innovations allow them to focus specifically on relevant parts of DNA that answer key diagnostic questions. The system examines methylation-chemical markers on DNA, which helps identify tumor types to quickly classify cancer.
Key benefits of the new system include:
- Compared to waiting for weeks
- Higher diagnostic accuracy than traditional methods
- Lower cost than current testing methods
- Results available during surgery guide surgical decision-making
- Integrate multiple tests into a single comprehensive analysis
Patient experience: Knowledge is power
The psychological impact of faster outcomes cannot be exaggerated for patients who endure pain and await diagnosis. Charles Trigg, who benefits from new technologies, described his experience: “From my point of view, having knowledge is power, which is probably the worst knowledge you have, but it gives you certainty, and having that certainty actually makes life easier.”
“The fact that they were able to get data quickly allowed a team of people to make detailed comments, which felt like an amazing fusion of science and medicine,” he added.
Simon Paine, a consultant neuropathologist at Nottingham University Hospital, said unambiguously about the importance of the technology: “This new approach to diagnosing brain tumors will be a game-changer and indeed revolutionary. Not only will it increase the speed at which results are available, but the accuracy of the diagnosis is incredible.”
Go beyond speed: Increase accuracy and reduce costs
The researchers stress that the method is not only faster—it is also more accurate and cost-effective than the current method. Their calculations show that the cost per patient is about £450, and the cost may be smaller when expanding.
“Not only is the test more accurate and faster, it is also cheaper than the current method,” said Professor Loose. “There are several reasons. Our approach eliminates the need for four to five separate tests, so because we get more information from a single test, it reduces the cost. Most importantly, it delivers results for patients when needed.”
This technology may be particularly valuable in less resource-based environments, democratizing access to advanced brain tumor diagnosis outside major medical centers.
Future: National implementation
The Nottingham team is now working to promote technology across the UK NHS Trust. Brain tumor charities that fund research in this field see great potential in this approach.
“Accurate diagnosis will transform all patients within hours after surgery to ensure rapid access to the best standards of care and – crucially, patients facing uncertainty will face when waiting for weeks of uncertainty diagnosis and prognosis.”
As the technology transitions from research to clinical implementation, thousands of brain tumor patients each year may soon benefit from a significantly shorter diagnosis time – turning painful waiting times up to several weeks into hours and potentially opening up earlier, more effective treatments that may extend and improve lives.
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