Brain tumour diagnosis could be made in just hours, thanks to this new method

It could change cancer care

Researchers from the UK believe a new approach to classifying brain tumours could help patients access care far quicker. 

Brain tumour diagnosis can be timely, meaning some patients can’t access necessary care for weeks.

Now, researchers from the University of Nottingham say a new method could help patients begin treatment within hours. 

An estimated 1900 malignant brain tumours are diagnosed each year in Australia, according to the Cancer Council.

How are brain tumours diagnosed?

Brain tumours are usually diagnosed through assessments of the nervous system, blood tests, MRI and CT scans, and additional testing, often followed by biopsies to determine the type of tumour. Genetic testing can also be incorporated, especially if a patient has a high risk of cancer.

As per The Guardian, Nottingham University’s Professor of Developmental and Computational Biology, Matthew Loose said, “almost all of the samples will go for further testing anyway. But for some of them it will be absolutely crucial, because you won’t know what you’re looking at”.

It can take several weeks for patients to receive their genetic test results.

What is nanopore sequencing?

It can take several weeks for patients to receive their genetic test results, and Loose and his team believe nanopore technology could be used to diagnose tumours within a matter of hours, so patients can begin potentially life-saving treatment as early as possible.

Nanopore sequencing involves adding a DNA sample to a ‘flow cell’, which contains tiny pores and has an electric current run through it. 

DNA is then ‘unzipped’ into singular strands, which disrupt the current as it runs through the pore. 

Each signal change is recorded, and the software can compare modifications to the DNA with the DNA of known brain tumours. Image: iStock

Each signal change is recorded, and the software can compare modifications to the DNA with the DNA of known brain tumours.

Published in the journal Neuro-Oncology, the researchers used the technology on 30 samples that had already been collected from patients, and again on 50 samples shortly after collection.

Not only were 80 per cent of the first group and 90 per cent of the second group of samples accurately classed within less than 24 hours, which is in line with genetic testing, but 76 per cent of the second group of samples were accurately classed in just one hour. 

In addition to helping patients access treatment such as chemotherapy earlier, the professor said early identification of tumour types could help patients be put forward for clinical trials earlier too. Image: Getty

Researchers believe this may mean that surgeons could receive the results just two hours after collecting samples from patients. 

Loose said that this application of the technology could inform surgeons if patients require a more aggressive surgical approach while still in theatre.

“If you could identify, as we think we might be able to, the specific tumour type fast enough, and drugs were available that could be administered during surgery directly to the tumour area, then you have opened up a whole new class of potential treatment options”, he said.

In addition to helping patients access treatment such as chemotherapy earlier, the professor said early identification of tumour types could help patients be put forward for clinical trials earlier.

Originally published as Brain tumour diagnosis could be made in just hours, thanks to this new method