A team of scientists at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with clinicians at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, has developed a groundbreaking genetic test that drastically reduces the time needed for tumour diagnosis—from several weeks to just 90 minutes. Surgeons and researchers are calling this “ultra-rapid” method a game changer for brain cancer care.
Immediate Impact in the Operating Theatre
Traditionally, tumour samples are removed during surgery and sent to pathology labs for analysis, a process that can take up to eight weeks. However, the new method provides results while the patient is still in the operating theatre. This allows surgeons to perform more radical procedures immediately if needed—avoiding the need for additional surgeries.
Improving Surgical Outcomes and Patient Care
Stuart Smith, a consultant neurosurgeon at NUH, explained that delayed diagnoses often result in missed opportunities to fully remove tumours during the first surgery. “With this new method, we can get a precise diagnosis during the initial operation, potentially sparing patients from undergoing second or third surgeries,” he said.
100% Accuracy in Clinical Use
As reported by BBC, the method has already been successfully used in 50 operations at NUH, achieving a 100% success rate in tumour classification. With more than 100 known types of brain tumours, accurate and immediate diagnosis is essential for tailoring effective treatment plans such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Advanced Technology Behind the Breakthrough
Professor Matt Loose, a biologist at the University of Nottingham, has led the development of the test since 2018. Using nanopore genetic sequencing and proprietary software called ROBIN, his team can quickly isolate and analyze specific sections of tumour DNA. “Most brain tumours are aggressive,” he said. “Waiting weeks for a diagnosis can be too long. Now, we can deliver results within hours.”
Real Stories: The Human Impact
Gemma, from Castle Donington in Leicestershire, recalls the two agonizing weeks it took to receive her daughter Nancy’s tumour diagnosis after her first surgery at age one. “It was two weeks of pure hell and anxiety,” she said. “If this test had been available then, it might have spared her a second surgery.” Nancy is now in remission and a campaign face for Young Lives vs Cancer.
Charles Trigg, a 45-year-old glioblastoma patient, shared how rapid diagnosis gave him control and clarity. “To have knowledge is power,” he said. “Even if it’s bad news, knowing early allows you to plan your next steps. The pace of information delivery is phenomenal.”
Wider Adoption Across the UK
Following its success in Nottingham, major NHS hospitals are now adopting the testing. These include Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, and King’s College Hospital in London. They are implementing the test alongside existing protocols to evaluate its broader effectiveness.
A New Era for Brain Tumour Treatment
Dr. Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, emphasized the transformative potential of the test. “This rapid diagnosis will ensure patients quickly access the best possible care and eliminate the prolonged uncertainty many currently face.”