A “world-first” blood test which can diagnose certain types of brain cancer is being tested by UK researchers.

Experts said the simple test could reduce the need for invasive and risky surgery currently needed to diagnose some brain tumours.

They added that it could also result in earlier diagnosis which could speed up treatment and potentially increase survival rates for patients with one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Brain tumour experts have welcomed the news saying the test is inexpensive and would be easy to introduce to clinics.

Patients with “inaccessible” brain tumours who could benefit from starting treatment as soon as possible would find the liquid biopsy particularly beneficial, experts said.

Researchers at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which is run by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, have performed the first studies to assess whether the test can accurately diagnose glial tumours including glioblastoma (GBM), the most commonly-diagnosed type of high-grade brain tumour in adults, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, they found the test had “high analytical sensitivity, specificity and precision”.

Now, scientists hope to conduct larger studies in the UK to validate the results and if successful, experts estimate that patients could benefit from the new test in as little as two years.

How does the blood test work?

TriNetra-Glio blood test, by Datar Cancer Genetics, works by isolating glial cells that have broken free from the tumour and are found circulating in the blood.

The isolated cells are then stained and can be identified under a microscope.

Dr Nelofer Syed, who leads the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Imperial, said: “A non-invasive, inexpensive method for the early detection of brain tumours is critical for improvements in patient care.

“There is still some way to go, but this solution could help people where a brain biopsy or surgical resection of the tumour is not possible due to the location of the tumour or other constraints.

“Through this technology, a diagnosis of inaccessible tumours can become possible through a risk-free and patient-friendly blood test.

“We believe this would be a world-first as there are currently no non-invasive or non-radiological tests for these types of tumours.”

Kevin O’Neill, consultant neurosurgeon at Imperial College Healthcare and honorary clinical senior lecturer at Imperial College London, who leads the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence alongside Dr Syed, said: “This test is not just an indicator of disease, it is a truly diagnostic liquid biopsy.

“It detects intact circulating tumour cells from the blood, which can be analysed to the same cellular detail as an actual tissue sample.

“It’s a real breakthrough for treatment of brain cancers that rarely spread around the body.

“This could help speed up diagnosis, enabling surgeons to apply tailored treatments based on that biopsy to increase patients’ chances of survival. I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this study, especially the patients involved.”

Findings are “significant”

Brain Tumour Research said that the findings are “significant” as less than 1% of patients with GBM live for more than 10 years and, for many, the prognosis is as little as 12 months.

Dan Knowles, chief executive of the charity, said: “This ground-breaking research could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for brain tumour patients.

“The research undertaken in UK universities is world class and something we should all be proud of, but we need so much more.

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“There is an urgent need for novel approaches, particularly in the treatment of GBM, which is fatal in most cases.

“Brain tumours kill more people in the UK under the age of 40 than any other cancer and we have to find a cure for this devastating disease.

“It is scandalous to think that there have been no improvements to treatment options for this type of tumour in two decades and the standard of care for GBM patients – surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy – remains unchanged.

“This is why we are campaigning for the Government and larger charities to invest more and we will keep up the pressure until patients and their families get the help they so desperately need.”