Rapid new test can slash time of brain tumour diagnosis from weeks to hours

Rapid new test can slash time of brain tumour diagnosis from weeks to hours The new test can spare patients weeks of uncertainty and stress by giving clarity about whether they have a brain tumour or what type within just a few hours A rapid new test can cut the time for an accurate brain tumour diagnosis down from weeks to just hours. The test, which the NHS has started to use, can diagnose what type of tumour a patient has developed. It means patients can begin treatment sooner, being spared weeks of uncertainty and stress about the diagnosis. NHS England has said the genomic test, due to be piloted in specialist centres across the country, can cut the diagnosis time down from eight weeks to just two hours. The test examines the genetic code of the tumour sample to find which type the patient has. There are estimated to be between 100 to 150 different types of brain and central nervous system tumours. They range from slow-growing to aggressive cancers, which respond differently to treatment. More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year in Britain. Brain tumours are the leading killer of children and adults under 40. Steve Palmer, 55, from Nottingham, is one of those who have benefitted from the new test. It meant surgeons were able to get his result as they were operating on his tumour. He told The BBC: "Getting that quick diagnosis removed weeks of anxiety." Steve was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma following a fall at the gym. "It wasn't the result I wanted to hear but it means I can get on with the next phase of treatment and recovery, and get on with fighting whatever it is I've got to fight," he said. NHS medical director professor Frankie Swords 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. This remarkable rapid test has the potential to completely transform how we diagnose brain tumours, with results reaching patients in a matter of days rather than weeks. "This is a huge leap forward for patients - 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." The pilot scehem will include five specialist centres in Nottingham, Birmingham, London and Newcastle. It will then be extended to Bristol, Leeds, Oxford and Manchester. The pilot was previously under way in Nottingham and Birmingham.