NEW NHS genomic testing could shorten brain tumour diagnosis from weeks to days, with results potentially available to surgeons in under two hours during an operation.
The technology analyses DNA from a small tumour sample obtained during biopsy or surgery to help identify the type of brain tumour. A more rapid diagnosis could allow patients to begin appropriate treatment, including radiotherapy or chemotherapy, sooner and could enable earlier access to clinical trials that require detailed information about a tumour’s genetic characteristics.
For patients undergoing surgery where the precise tumour type is initially unknown, the test can be performed during the operation. NHS England reported that sequencing in a recent procedure at Nottingham University Hospitals took around 20 minutes, with an early result returned to the surgical team less than two hours after the sample reached the laboratory.
The rapid result provides an initial classification of the tumour, with further analysis producing a fuller molecular diagnosis within days rather than the weeks associated with the current diagnostic pathway.
According to the NHS, information available while surgery is ongoing could help surgeons decide how much tumour can be safely removed while protecting healthy brain tissue.
The standard diagnostic pathway typically involves imaging with MRI and CT followed by removal and laboratory examination of a tumour sample. There are more than 100 types of brain tumour, which can differ in behaviour and response to treatment, making precise diagnosis important for subsequent management.
The expanded pilot will initially introduce rapid testing at five specialist centres: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Additional genomic laboratory sites in Bristol, Oxford, Leeds and Manchester are expected to join during the second phase.
NHS England is investing more than £2 million over two years in the Brain Cancer NHS Genomic Network of Excellence. The programme brings together neurosurgery, pathology and genomic medicine teams to standardise testing and generate evidence for potential integration into routine NHS care.
Around 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year, according to the NHS. The programme forms part of efforts under the National Cancer Plan for England to accelerate innovation, expand access to genomic testing and support earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Reference
NHS England. 2026. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/09/nhs-pilots-rapid-genomic-test-to-transform-brain-tumour-diagnosis/. Last accessed: 30 September 2026.
Featured Image: Justlight on Adobe Stock
Featured Image: click_and_photo on Adobe Stock
Each article is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License.
