This article was very interesting because it dove into the process but also the problem with access to the treatment. In the UK, genetic testing has advanced brain tumor care by leaps and bounds. So far though, only patients who have time to wait are able to undergo these treatments, "Study lead, Professor Kurian from the University of Bristol...said: "My husband, Gerard, was able to access cutting-edge treatment...because his tumor was frozen and underwent whole genome sequencing. The genetic data revealed a match with a new trial..." this is a process that takes time and can be very selective. Many are not having samples frozen for sequencing, and in some cases results took over 150 days to arrive.
The fact that the rollout for brain tumor treatment is so slow makes me upset. While I understand the need for caution in this area, it feels as though the progress is being artificially slowed by the boundaries in place.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251112/Advancements-in-molecular-and-genetic-testing-transform-brain-tumor-care.aspx
Secondary: Kurian, K. M., et al. (2025). Transforming Molecular Neuropathology for Adult Brain Tumour Patients in the UK: Insights on Implementation, Adoption, and Patient Access (2021-2024). Neuro-Oncology Practice. doi: 10.1093/nop/npaf099. https://academic.oup.com/nop/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nop/npaf099/8263829
I agree with you, the fact that only people with time can get this treatment, is sad. However, I do think it is a step in the right direction. As a friend of someone whose parent has passed from a brain tumor, the longer you wait, the worse it gets over time. If they are able to speed up the process, this would be life changing for countless people.
ReplyDelete