Innovative Test Accurately Detects Brain Cancers Using Cerebrospinal Fluid
A novel multi-analyte test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can accurately diagnose brain cancers from cerebrospinal fluid, offering a less invasive and highly reliable diagnostic tool.
A groundbreaking multi-analyte testing method developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University offers a highly precise way to identify brain cancers from small samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This innovative approach provides a powerful new tool to aid in clinical decision-making, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Published in the journal Cancer Discovery on August 25, 2025, the study demonstrates that combining multiple biological markers—including tumor-derived DNA, chromosomal abnormalities, mutations, and immune cell signatures—improves diagnostic accuracy over single-marker tests. The researchers analyzed 206 CSF samples from patients diagnosed with various central nervous system cancers, such as gliomas, medulloblastomas, metastases, and lymphomas. Their test, known as CSF-BAM, measures relevant genetic alterations and immune receptor sequences.
Results showed that the test could detect brain cancers with over 80% sensitivity and achieved 100% specificity, meaning it correctly identified all cancer-free individuals and had no false positives in the validation phase. Additionally, the assay was capable of differentiating immune cell populations in CSF, offering insights into tumor behavior and immune environment, which can be invaluable in treatment planning.
This tool could prove especially useful in cases where traditional imaging or cytology results are inconclusive, or when surgical biopsy presents significant risks. By enabling more accurate and less invasive diagnosis, CSF-BAM supports personalized treatment strategies and could lead to earlier detection of brain tumors.
Senior author Dr. Chetan Bettegowda emphasized the importance of evaluating multiple analytes concurrently to improve diagnostic confidence and gain a better understanding of tumor immune responses. This multi-faceted approach marks a significant advancement in neuro-oncology diagnostics.
Source: Medical Xpress by Johns Hopkins University
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