The missing genetic tests for brain tumors

According to her, although there are new drugs in the United Kingdom that target specific mutations, patients cannot benefit them without previously conducting genetic tests that are not currently provided routine by the NHS for this category.

Alarm figures

Brain cancer affects about 12,000 Britons annually and causes approximately 5,000 deaths. The worst form, glioblastoma, has an average survival of 1250 months. Only 5 percent of patients live five years after diagnosis, says The Brain Tumour Charity.

The United Kingdom ranks among countries with the lowest survival rates in the world developed for this type of cancer.

Why Tests?

Over the last decade, NHS has expanded access to genetic tests for certain types of cancer, as many modern treatments function only on patients with certain mutations.

However, brain tumor patients are not usually tested, since most of these tumors are not considered directly caused by inherited mutations.

According to Brain Cancer Justice, this leaves patients out of the potential for new drugs such as vorasidnib a target therapy for patients with IHD mutation, which according to studies significantly slows tumor growth.

The organisation has launched a petition requiring the delivery of genetic testing for all brain cancer patients. More than 100,000 people have already signed, forcing Parliament to consider the debate.

Official Reaction

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that any diagnosis of brain cancer has a profound impact on patients and their families. According to him, the National Cancer Plan aims at improving survival for rare cancers through earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and scientific research.

The government has invested over 25 million pounds in the research consortium for brain tumors and over 141 million pounds for cancer research during 2024/25.