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Molecular and genetic testing has turn out to be a game-changer in mind tumor care—shaping prognosis, guiding therapies and opening doorways to new therapies. As soon as out there to a handful of sufferers, these checks at the moment are quickly being adopted throughout the NHS, in accordance with a brand new examine led by Professor Kathreena Kurian on the College of Bristol and the Tessa Jowell Mind Most cancers Mission. The findings, revealed in Neuro-Oncology Observe, mark long-awaited progress in a discipline that has seen few new therapies in over 20 years.
However the examine additionally exposes deep regional inequalities. Entry throughout the UK nonetheless will depend on postcode, with some hospitals hampered by transport and processing delays, and others missing the means to freeze tumor samples after surgical procedure—a primary requirement for superior testing.
The examine lead, Professor Kurian from the College of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Belief, mentioned the difficulty is each scientific and private. She mentioned, “My husband, Gerard, was capable of entry cutting-edge therapy via a trial on the Royal Marsden. This was solely potential as a result of his tumor was frozen and underwent entire genome sequencing. The genetic information revealed a match with a brand new trial, and Gerard was capable of have treasured additional time with us consequently.
“Unfortunately, not all patients are given that same opportunity—often unaware that something as simple as how tissue is stored can determine what treatments or trials they might later access. It is my mission to change this.”
The examine was performed in collaboration with the Tessa Jowell Mind Most cancers Mission, a nationwide convening physique of most cancers charities, the Division of Well being and Social Care and 47 NHS hospitals, dedicated to selling equitable entry to mind tumor care.
Utilizing information collected as a part of the Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence from NHS facilities masking 84% of the UK inhabitants, the analysis staff discovered that though genomic testing has expanded quickly—with a 291% enhance in entire genome sequencing (WGS) since 2021—many companies are struggling to maintain tempo.
Two key findings embody:
Tissue just isn’t being frozen for a lot of sufferers, blocking entry to sequencing and medical trials.
By 2024, solely 71% of facilities provided WGS, with significantly restricted entry in Scotland and Wales. In some instances, sufferers wait as much as 150 days for outcomes.
In addition to the necessity for equitable funding and adoption of recent improvements highlighted by the examine, Professor Kurian units out three sensible steps that may be taken to attain fairness of entry:
Speak about it: Larger consciousness that sufferers can determine whether or not their tumor tissue is used for superior prognosis, future therapies and analysis—one dialog might assist save lives.
Shield what issues: A easy Affected person Tissue Constitution that clearly articulates sufferers’ rights, guaranteeing that each tumor pattern within the UK is correctly preserved and used to assist each present and future sufferers.
Make it simple: Consent ought to be easy—one faucet on the NHS App to provide permission and energy to sufferers.
Dr. Nicky Huskens, CEO of the Tessa Jowell Mind Most cancers Mission, commented: “We have now seen extraordinary progress in mind tumor genomics over the previous few years, due to the arduous work of employees in our hospitals and the NHS’s dedication to commissioning these superior checks for mind tumor sufferers. However it’s important that this transformation advantages not just a few however all sufferers, regardless of the place they’re identified.
“The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission will continue to work with our charity members, the NHS, researchers and policymakers to close the gap between innovation and access, ensuring that every brain tumor patient has the opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments.”
The examine was potential due to the devoted efforts of the 21 NHS groups who supplied information, the Centre of Excellence committee.
Extra data:
Kathreena M Kurian et al, Remodeling Molecular Neuropathology for Grownup Mind Tumour Sufferers within the UK: Insights on Implementation, Adoption, and Affected person Entry (2021-2024), Neuro-Oncology Observe (2025). DOI: 10.1093/nop/npaf099
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Mind tumor sufferers miss out on new therapies as a consequence of unequal entry to tumor freezing and genetic testing, examine warns (2025, November 12)
retrieved 12 November 2025
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