Around 52 new cases of medulloblastoma occur in children each year in the UK.
New research led by the Universities of Newcastle and Birmingham has revealed that a new 10-minute brain scan could shorten diagnostic waiting times for children with brain tumours.
Published in Electronic BiomedicineThe research was funded by Children with Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK.
Around 52 children are affected by medulloblastoma each year in the UK, making it the second most common childhood brain tumour and the most common malignant childhood brain tumour. Medulloblastoma begins in the cerebellum, which is involved in muscle coordination, balance and movement.
The four subgroups of medulloblastoma include classical medulloblastoma, anaplastic or large cell medulloblastoma, nodular or desmoplastic medulloblastoma, and medulloblastoma with widespread nodularity.
Using MRI scans and artificial intelligence, the researchers took cell samples from 86 tumors and, in a 10-minute laboratory test, accurately identified metabolic markers, including chemicals specific to different groups of medulloblastoma tumors.
Additionally, the study found that glutamate, a metabolite present throughout tumor cells, was associated with tumor prognosis.
“This ‘rapid diagnostic’ test has the potential to revolutionise patient management, allowing earlier, non-invasive diagnosis, customising treatment decisions and reducing the period of anxiety for patients and parents whilst waiting for a full diagnosis,” explained Professor Steve Clifford, Director of Newcastle University’s Cancer Centre.
Furthermore, the findings pave the way for the use of MRI scans combined with machine learning to assess the distinctive metabolic profile of medulloblastoma without the need for invasive biopsies, potentially significantly shortening the current wait time of three to four weeks from the onset of symptoms to a full diagnosis.
Dr Laura Danielson, Cancer Research UK’s Children and Young People Research Lead, said: “This study identifies a new way to distinguish between four subgroups of medulloblastoma, paving the way for the development of a simple imaging test that can quickly and accurately diagnose the different types of medulloblastoma.”
“Developing faster, less invasive ways to accurately diagnose the different types of medulloblastoma is an important step in improving outcomes for young patients.”
