Nottingham Trent Scientists researching LFT that detect brain tumours
The kits hope to pick up recurring and aggressive tumours, responsibile for almost 200,000 deaths a year globally
Last updated 6th Nov 2023
The world's first lateral flow test to detect brain tumours is being developed by scientists at Nottingham Trent University.
Similar to the way Covid-19 was detected during the pandemic, the kits hope to pick up recurring and aggressive tumours, responsibile for almost 200,000 deaths a year globally.
The aim is to develop a simple test that patients can use at home.
A team at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is leading the work, funded by the Medical Research Council, and working with researchers at the University of Sheffield.
Researchers say it will take a small blood sample with a simple finger prick.
They say it could significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for MRI scans and providing a cost-effective alternative to some clinic appointments.
Philippe Wilson, Professor of One Health NTU, said: "Brain tumours are managed with the best available treatments when first diagnosed but, unfortunately, recurrence is a major problem and some come back very quickly and aggressively.
He added: "If you have an MRI six months after treatment, by that point a tumour could have been back for a significant amount of time potentially.
"It's hard to imagine a medical technology so widely used and understood as the lateral flow test.
"This tech would provide regular, affordable disease monitoring for patients at home in an easy-to-use way.
"We hope the work could be applied to other types of cancer too, potentially helping to save millions of lives worldwide."