Rapid genomic test 'has potential to transform’ brain tumour diagnosis

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By Ella Pickover, PA Media

Patients with brain tumours will be offered rapid genetic testing as part of a new pilot study which experts say could “transform” diagnosis and treatment.

The new DNA test will reduce the average diagnosis rates from weeks to days, NHS officials said.

And when it is important to know the precise tumour type during surgery, diagnosis can be confirmed within two hours while the operation is still happening.

NHS England said that the test, which works by quickly analysing the genetic code of a sample of a patient’s tumour, will be piloted in specialist centres around England.

It is hoped that the move will help patients get personalised care sooner and could help them enrol on to clinical trials which they otherwise would have missed out on.

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS England’s medical director, said: “This remarkable rapid test has the potential to completely transform how we diagnose brain tumours, with results reaching patients in a matter of days rather than weeks.