A NEW rapid genomic brain tumour test that could slash the wait for an accurate diagnosis from weeks to hours will be available to NHS patients.
The cutting-edge technology can quickly analyse the DNA or genetic code of a small sample of tumour taken either during surgery or biopsy, to provide doctors with accurate tumour type identification faster than ever.
A world-first, NHS England says that the pilot will be extended across specialist centres across the nation and will mean that eligible patients will now receive a brain tumour diagnosis within days, if not sooner.
Brain tumours are notoriously difficult to diagnosis and treat due to the huge number of tumour types, ranging from slow-growing benign tumours to highly-aggressive and life-threatening cancers, each of which may behave differently and require different treatment.
Now, this new test will enable doctors to quickly specify tumour type and begin appropriate treatment as soon as possible – particularly in cases of fast-growing or high-grade tumours.
For patients having surgery to remove brain tumours where the exact type of tumour is nor yet know, the test will be able to supply results from samples within two hours, allowing surgeons to decide how to proceed with the remainder of the surgery and how much tumour they should safely remove.
Previously, patients have had to rely on diagnostic techniques such as CT and MRI scans, which are unable to offer accurate tumour type diagnosis, followed by a sample of their tumour being examined by microscope in a lab to determine its type – a process that can take weeks.
Professor Frankie Swords, NHS medical director, said that this new rapid genomic technique has the potential to “completely transform” brain tumour diagnosis, calling it a “huge leap forward for patients”.
She said: “For people with suspected brain tumours, getting the right diagnosis quickly can feel like a race against time, while waiting weeks for answers can be agonising for them and their families.
“A faster diagnosis means they can start the right treatment or access clinical trials sooner, while for some patients it could mean surgeons can make potentially life-changing decisions about their surgery while on the operating table.
Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS, agreed, saying: “This is another world-leading development for NHS genomics, taking pioneering science and testing how we can use it safely and consistently in patient care.
She added: “Our ambition is to build the evidence for this testing to become part of routine NHS care, so patients across the country can benefit equally from faster, more precise diagnosis.”
The first phase of the pilot roll-out will extend the testing to a select number of hospitals in Birmingham, London and Newcastle, while additional genomic laboratory sites will be introduced to more areas in the second phase.
NHS England is investing more than £2 million over two years in the Brain Cancer NHS Genomic Network of Excellence, who are behind the test.
Reference
NHS pilots rapid genomic test to transform brain tumour diagnosis. NHS England. 2026. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/09/nhs-pilots-rapid-genomic-test-to-transform-brain-tumour-diagnosis/
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