A new diagnostic assay can pinpoint malignant brain tumours within hours, replacing the traditional multi‑week process of imaging and histology.
Developed by researchers at the University of Oxford and commercialised by biotech firm NeuroDetect, the test analyses a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid for tumour‑specific DNA fragments. Results are delivered in under eight hours, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.
"We can now tell a patient whether they have a tumour before they leave the hospital," said Dr Emma Clarke, lead investigator at Oxford's Centre for Neuro‑Oncology.
Current pathways typically involve magnetic resonance imaging, followed by a stereotactic biopsy and weeks of laboratory processing. During that interval, patients often endure uncertainty while awaiting a definitive diagnosis.
How the test works
The assay uses next‑generation sequencing to detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) shed into the cerebrospinal fluid. A lumbar puncture yields a few millilitres of fluid, which is then filtered and amplified. The sequencing panel targets mutations most common in glioblastoma and lower‑grade gliomas, providing a molecular signature that distinguishes tumour from non‑malignant tissue.
In the Oxford trial, the test achieved a sensitivity of 92 % and a specificity of 95 % against standard histopathology, researchers reported. Those figures suggest the assay could reliably rule in or out a tumour in the majority of cases.
Impact on patient care
Earlier diagnosis means oncologists can start radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical planning promptly, potentially improving survival odds. "The window between suspicion and treatment is critical for aggressive tumours," explained Dr Clarke.
Patients in the trial also reported reduced anxiety, as the waiting period shrank from several weeks to a single hospital visit. Mental‑health charities have welcomed the development, noting that prolonged diagnostic uncertainty can exacerbate depression and cognitive decline.
Regulatory outlook and rollout
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted the test a fast‑track approval in July, and NHS England has earmarked funds for a phased rollout in major neuro‑oncology centres starting early next year.
NeuroDetect plans to expand the assay to detect other central‑nervous‑system cancers, and trials are under way to integrate the test with AI‑driven imaging analysis for even faster triage.
While the technology promises to reshape brain tumour pathways, experts caution that it will complement, not replace, imaging and surgical biopsy in complex cases. Nonetheless, the ability to deliver a definitive answer within hours marks a paradigm shift for patients and clinicians alike.
Health officials say the test could become a standard part of emergency neurology referrals by 2028, offering hope to thousands of patients who currently face weeks of uncertainty.
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