A group of British scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery by developing the world’s first blood test to detect brain cancer. This new test could potentially eliminate the need for invasive and risky surgeries currently used to diagnose brain tumors.
The Brain Tumor Research Center of Excellence, operated by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, spearheaded this research. The team has termed the test a liquid biopsy, emphasizing its low cost and potential to expedite diagnoses. By enabling earlier detection, patients can initiate vital treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy sooner, ultimately leading to increased survival rates.
The significance of this blood test is particularly profound for patients with inaccessible brain tumors located in deep areas of the brain. Such cancers affect a large number of individuals worldwide each year, with the United Kingdom experiencing the highest mortality rate in children and adults under 40.
Principal investigator Nelofer Syed expressed enthusiasm about the technology, stating, Thanks to this technology, it is possible to diagnose inaccessible tumors through a safe and easy-to-use blood test for the patient. The clinical validation study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, involved the participation of brain cancer patients treated at the Brain Tumor Research Center of Excellence.
Buoyed by early success, the researchers are now preparing for larger trials. Recognizing the innovation of this therapy, the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) has designated it as such, thereby expediting the process towards making the test accessible to patients in the United States. Rigo+rous evaluation criteria must be met to secure this distinction. Successful completion of the new trials may lead to implementation in healthcare centers within the next two years.
The brain cancer blood test functions by detecting circulating tumor cells within the blood. These cells can be examined in the same level of cellular detail as a real tissue sample, as explained by Kevin O’Neill, a consultant neurosurgeon at Imperial College Healthcare. By isolating and staining these cells, they can be easily identified under a microscope.
Initial studies have already confirmed the test’s accuracy in diagnosing glial tumors, a particularly dangerous form of brain tumor that can exert pressure on the brain or spinal cord tissue. Glioblastomas (GBM), astrocytomas, and oligodendrogliomas fall within this classification.
The funding body for this research, Brain Tumor Research, deems the brain cancer blood test highly significant. They highlight the fact that less than 1% of GBM patients survive beyond ten years, with many having a life expectancy of only 12 months.
This exciting development brings hope to countless individuals battling brain cancer, particularly those facing the challenges of inaccessible brain tumors. With additional trials and increased validation, this blood test could soon become a critical tool in diagnosing and treating brain cancer, ultimately saving lives and offering a brighter future for patients worldwide.
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