NHS pilots rapid genomic test for brain tumour diagnosis in England
The NHS has begun piloting a new genomic test in specialist centres across England that reduces brain tumour diagnosis time from weeks to hours.
Test cuts diagnosis wait times
Doctors can now identify the specific type of brain tumour within two hours instead of up to eight weeks. This speed allows patients to start radiotherapy and chemotherapy sooner while surgeons are still operating. The technology analyzes the genetic code of a tumour sample to determine its classification.
Patient benefits from quick results
Steve Palmer received his diagnosis during his operation after collapsing at a gym. He stated that the rapid result removed weeks of anxiety for him and his family. The test helps distinguish between around 150 different types of tumours ranging from slow-growing to aggressive cancers.
Treatment plans adapt immediately
Consultant neurosurgeon Stuart Smith led the operation at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. Knowing the grade of the glioblastoma allowed the medical team to proceed directly to the next phase of recovery. Patients no longer face uncertainty while waiting for results before treatment begins.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.