The first “new” blood test worldwide that can diagnose some types of brain cancerthey discovered British scientists.

Researchers at the Brain Tumor Research Center of Excellence, which is run by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, carried out 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 tumor in adults. astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.

They found that the test had “high analytical sensitivity, specificity and accuracy”according to a study published in International Journal of Cancer.

The simple test could reduce the need for invasive and dangerous surgery operation currently required to diagnose certain brain tumors, experts point out.

It could also lead to early diagnosiswhich in turn could speed up treatment and potentially increase survival rates for patients with one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Brain tumor experts welcomed the news, saying the test is economical and it would be easy to introduce into the clinics.

Experts said that liquid biopsy would be particularly beneficial for patients with “inaccessible” brain tumorswho could benefit from starting treatment as soon as possible.

THE examination blood TriNetra-Glio, from Datar Cancer Genetics, works by isolating glial cells that have been released from the tumor 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 Center for Brain Tumor Research at Imperial, said: “A non-invasive, inexpensive method for early detection of brain tumors is critical for improvements in patient care. Scientists now hope to carry out larger studies in the UK to validate the results, and if successful, experts estimate patients could benefit from the new test in as little as two years.

Scientists now hope to carry out larger studies in the UK to validate the results, and if successful, experts estimate patients could benefit from the new test in as little as two years.