In the published work, the team at NUH utilised the new approach during 50 brain tumour surgeries to deliver rapid, intraoperative diagnoses. This approach has achieved a 100% success rate, providing diagnostic results in under two hours from surgery and detailed tumour classifications within minutes of sequencing. Moreover, the platform\u2019s ability to continue sequencing enables a fully integrated diagnosis within 24 hours.<\/p>\n
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Every day in the UK 34* people are diagnosed with some form of brain tumour, equating to more than 12,000 cases a year. The average survival rate can be less than a year for the most aggressive brain cancers.<\/p>\n
Brain tumours require complex genetic tests to diagnose, which clinicians currently have to send away to centralised analysis facilities. It can take 6-8 weeks or more to get full results to be able to inform patients what type of tumour they have and their prognosis. This long wait is extremely traumatic for patients, and also delays the start of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which may reduce the chances of treatment working.<\/p>\n
The team of experts in Nottingham have developed an ultra-rapid way of genetically diagnosing brain tumours that will eliminate this delay. The method is so quick that they can even get results within a couple of hours and potentially make this information available to the surgeon during the operation to inform surgical decision making.<\/p>\n
Dr Stuart Smith is a Neurosurgeon from the School of Medicine at the University and within NUH.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cTraditionally, the process of diagnosing brain tumours has been slow and expensive. Now, with this new technology we can do more for patients because we can get answers so much more quickly which will have a much bigger influence on clinical decision making, in as little as two hours. Patients find waiting many weeks for results extremely difficult and this adds to the anxiety and worry at what is already a very difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis type of operation can be quite long, so potentially, a surgeon could be informed during surgery of the accurate diagnosis, which would then impact on the surgical strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Oxford-Nanopore-technology-web-version.xb940c899.jpg\")
\n ROBIN, a software tool based on the P2 PromethION nanopore sequencers – credit – Oxford Nanopore Technology
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The current treatment pathway starts with an MRI scan to ascertain the presence of a tumour, patients will speak to clinicians to discuss the possibilities of what type of tumour they may have. For many tumour types people would then undergo some form of surgery to obtain a sample of the tumour, which currently is sent away to centralised labs for testing to look for abnormalities in the DNA \u2013 which will determine what type of tumour it is.<\/p>\n
Traditionally experts would then look at the specimens and the neuropathology view would be to try and identify the cells visually. But in the last few years the process has changed and tumours are categorised on the DNA and genetic abnormalities \u2013 which traditionally is a slow process due to technological limitations.<\/p>\n
Professor Matt Loose, a biologist from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham developed a method to sequence specific parts of human DNA at higher depth using Oxford Nanopore Technologies portable sequencing devices. This method allows relevant parts of the human genome to be examined much more quickly and multiple regions of DNA sequenced at the same time \u2013 speeding up the whole process.<\/p>\n
The team have now used this method to genetically test brain tumour samples.<\/p>\n
ROBIN, a software tool based on the P2 PromethION nanopore sequencers, sequences the DNA by detecting the change in current flow as single molecules of DNA pass through a nanopore \u2013 or tiny hole \u2013 in a membrane.<\/p>\n
Professor Loose said: \u201cWhen we first were able to sequence an entire human genome in 2018, it took around five labs and six months to do, which obviously isn\u2019t ideal when time is of the essence for a patient. This new method now allows us to choose the bits of DNA that we need to look at in order to answer specific questions, such as what type of tumour and how can it be treated. Combined with our later research where we were able to look at relevant parts of the human genome more quickly \u2013 then we now have a process where we can use ROBIN to create comprehensive classifications of tumours more quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce we have a sample from a patient, we can now quickly extract the DNA and look at the different properties to give us the information we need. Methylation is the one we are most interested in early on in this instance because that defines the tumour type.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once a sample has been removed during surgery, it is sent to the pathology lab, where they would extract DNA before it being sent to the team to sequence.<\/p>\n
Dr Simon Paine, a Consultant Neuropathologist at NUH said: \u201cThis new method of diagnosing brain tumours is going to be a game changer, it really is revolutionary. It not only increases the speed at which the results will be available, but the degree of accuracy of the diagnosis as well is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team are now looking to get the new testing rolled out at NHS Trusts across the UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only is the test more accurate and quicker, but it is also cheaper than current methods,\u201d said Professor Loose. \u201cOur calculations stand at around \u00a3450 per person, potentially less when scaled-up. There are a few reasons for this. Our method can eliminate the need for four to five separate tests, reducing costs as a consequence as we are getting more information from the single test we do. Most importantly, it delivers results to the patients when they need them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: \u201cThe delivery of an accurate diagnosis within hours of surgery will be transformative for all patients ensuring rapid access to the optimal standard of care and – crucially – removing the uncertainty patients face when having to wait weeks for their diagnosis and prognosis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe potential to combine so many separate tests into one and deliver at a localised level is a game changer for driving equity of access to rapid and accurate molecular diagnosis. The BRAIN MATRIX Trial, funded by the Brain Tumour Charity, is now exploring how this technology can match patients to personalised clinical trials across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research, Policy, and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research said: \u201cWe are encouraged by the development of this rapid diagnostic technique, which could make a real difference to people affected by brain tumours. Receiving a diagnosis in just two hours, rather than waiting up to eight weeks, could ease the emotional strain on patients and remove unnecessary delays to accessing treatment.<\/p>\n
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\u201cCrucially, it also paves the way for greater participation in clinical trials\u2014one of our key campaigning priorities outlined in our manifesto. By enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses, more patients can be matched to the right trials at the right time, giving them the best possible chance of improved outcomes.”<\/p>\n
Patient <\/p>\n
Charles Trigg is 45 and from Leicestershire. He was diagnosed with a stage 4 aggressive glioblastoma in April. The results of his genetic tests, which help to assess how sensitive the tumour will be to chemotherapy, to give him a more accurate prognosis, and to allow access to clinical trials in the future are crucial.<\/p>\n
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Charles-Trigg-45-web.x91a9ad9c.jpg\")
\n Charles Trigg, 45
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The current waiting time on these results is around 8 weeks. This new method has reduced this wait to a week.<\/p>\n
Charles said: \u201cFrom my point of view \u2013 to have knowledge is power and it could be the worst knowledge you have, but it gives you certainty and having that certainty actually makes life a hell of a lot easier.<\/p>\n
“The fact they\u2019ve been able to get back data very quickly that allows an extensive team of people to conduct detailed reviews feels like an amazing blend of science and medicine.<\/p>\n
“The pace is phenomenal, and it gives you that certainty and clarity, regardless of whether you like the information, I can\u2019t change the information, but what I can do, is take the information I\u2019ve been given early – and absorb it, feel it and start to plan for the next stage.<\/p>\n
“Do I want to have it? No! Should anyone have it? No! But to have that understanding and that knowledge, it certainly helps and makes the experience a lot, lot easier, than not knowing.”<\/p>\n
\nStory credits
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*https:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/health-professional\/cancer-statistics\/statistics-by-cancer-type\/brain-other-cns-and-intracranial-tumours\/incidence<\/a>. June 2023<\/p>\n More information is available from Professor Matt Loose in the School of Life Sciences at matt.loose@nottingham.ac.uk<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Notes to editors:<\/p>\n About the University of Nottingham<\/p>\n Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings<\/a>, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia – part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.<\/p>\n Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024<\/a> \u2013 the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 \u2013 and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021<\/a>. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations<\/a> transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n The university is a major employer and industry partner – locally and globally – and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK’s top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.<\/p>\n![\"CharlotteAnscombe\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CharlotteAnscombe.xc5a3bef9.JPG\")
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