In a major medical breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a new DNA testing technique that can identify brain tumor types in just a few hours—sometimes even before a patient leaves the operating room. Traditionally, patients wait up to eight weeks for full genetic test results, which are vital for confirming the diagnosis and planning treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Figure 1.Rapid diagnoses could speed up access to innovative therapies.

Developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham, this innovative method dramatically shortens that wait—from weeks to just two hours. Figure 1 shows that Rapid diagnoses could speed up access to innovative therapies.

“Almost all samples undergo further testing anyway, but for some, having this information right away is critical because you don’t yet know what you’re dealing with,” said Professor Matthew Loose, co-author of the study.

Rapid DNA Sequencing Technology

The test relies on a technique called nanopore sequencing, which rapidly analyzes tumor DNA. This method threads strands of DNA through tiny holes—known as nanopores—allowing the device to detect the unique sequence of genetic building blocks [1]. Once sequenced, custom software compares the tumor’s genetic code to a database of known brain tumor types, enabling a fast and accurate diagnosis.

Each test costs around £400, similar to current genetic testing, but it replaces the need for multiple separate analyses—saving both time and money. “Our method can replace four or five individual tests,” Loose explained. “We’re extracting more information from a single test, delivering it when patients need it most.”

Promising Results from Clinical Trials

Researchers first validated the method using 30 archived tumor samples, then applied it to 50 new samples collected during surgery. Within 24 hours, the test correctly identified 80% of the archived tumors and 90% of the fresh ones—results that closely match traditional diagnostic accuracy.

What stood out, however, was the speed: 76% of fresh samples were successfully diagnosed within just one hour. In many instances, surgeons could theoretically have a genetic profile in hand just two hours after removing the tumor.

A New Era in Brain Cancer Treatment

Loose emphasized that the primary aim is to have diagnostic results ready for the patient’s clinical review, typically held within the same week [1]. But the implications go further: in the future, surgeons might use this rapid information to adjust their strategy mid-operation—opting for more aggressive removal if warranted, or reconsidering surgery altogether if benefits are minimal.

“There’s even greater potential,” said Loose. “If we can quickly identify the tumor type and apply targeted drugs directly to it during surgery, it could open the door to entirely new treatment possibilities.”

Faster diagnoses also mean patients could be enrolled in clinical trials more quickly, giving them earlier access to promising new therapies.

In short, this pioneering DNA test marks a transformative step in brain cancer care—bringing faster, more informed decisions to the forefront of patient treatment.

References

1. https://interestingengineering.com/health/new-tech-cuts-brain-tumor-diagnosis-time

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), New DNA Test Cuts Brain Tumour Diagnosis Time from 8 Weeks to Just 2 Hours, AnaTechMaz, pp.412.