Rapid brain tumour test reduces time for diagnosis from eight weeks to two hours

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a rapid genetic test that can diagnose brain tumors within two hours during surgery, drastically cutting down the typical waiting time of up to eight weeks. This innovation is being piloted at five NHS centers in England and is expected to speed up treatment decisions, improve survival rates, and enable quicker access to clinical trials for patients.

A new rapid diagnostic test for brain tumors developed at the University of Nottingham promises to significantly reduce the time needed to confirm a diagnosis, potentially allowing patients to receive treatment much earlier. The test, which analyzes the genetic makeup of tumor samples during surgery, can deliver results in about two hours, compared to the conventional waiting period of up to eight weeks.

This genomic testing method, now being piloted by the National Health Service (NHS) in five specialist centers across England, uses a portable sequencing device developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The machine decodes the DNA of tumor tissue by passing molecules through a nanopore, enabling clinicians to identify the type and characteristics of the cancer in real time while the patient remains on the operating table.

Stuart Smith, a consultant neurosurgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and co-lead of the research center responsible for the innovation, described the development as “gamechanging.” He emphasized that having immediate access to detailed tumor information during surgery can accelerate treatment decisions, a crucial advantage for patients who may have limited time.

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children and adults under 40 in the United Kingdom, underscoring the urgency of faster diagnostic tools. Early and accurate diagnosis can not only enhance treatment outcomes but also facilitate timely enrollment in clinical trials for eligible patients.

NHS England medical director Prof. Frankie Swords highlighted the test’s potential to transform brain tumor diagnosis and care, calling it “a huge leap forward” that could help reduce patient uncertainty and improve survival chances.

The initial rollout of the test is taking place at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital, and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Plans are in place to expand use of the technology to additional centers, including sites in Bristol, Oxford, Leeds, and Manchester.

By enabling near-instant genomic analysis during surgery, this diagnostic advance represents a significant step towards more personalized and timely treatment for patients with brain tumors in the UK.

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