Robbing the array to feed the pore: exploring ultra-fast brain tumour diagnosis

Abstract

Classifying tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging and typically requires comprehensive molecular analyses, often with a diagnostic wait of several weeks. In this context, the ability of Oxford Nanopore technology to perform methylation analysis and copy-number profiling along with parallel single-gene methylation, structural variant and mutational analyses is very attractive. The small footprint and rapidity of this technology are such that analyses could be undertaken close to the patient, with the potential for key molecular findings to be delivered within an intra-operative timeframe. Together, these features bring the prospect of a paradigm shift in the way that CNS tumours are classified. From surgery onwards, management can be tailored to individual patients with the potential to begin counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation when the patient is ready, not when the results are ready.

Biography

Simon is a Consultant Neuropathologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and an Honorary Associated Professor at the University of Nottingham, UK.