A new discovery could change the way we monitor brain cancer. Scientists have developed a blood test for brain tumor monitoring that may detect disease progression earlier than traditional scans — and without the need for risky biopsies.
At the Mayo Clinic, researchers focused on high-grade gliomas, one of the most aggressive and deadly types of brain tumors. Right now, doctors mainly use MRI scans and surgical biopsies to check if a glioma is growing or responding to treatment. But MRIs can sometimes be unclear, and biopsies are invasive and risky for patients.
This new approach, however, could make monitoring much easier and safer.
How the Blood Test Works
Instead of relying on images or surgery, the new test looks for tiny pieces of tumor DNA that enter the bloodstream when glioma cells die. Normally, brain tumors release very few DNA fragments because of the blood-brain barrier — the brain’s natural shield against harmful substances.
To get around this challenge, researchers zoomed in on DNA junctions. These are unique, scrambled DNA pieces that form when a tumor’s genetic material gets broken and rearranged. Because these junctions are more abundant than regular DNA pieces, they offer a stronger, more reliable signal that a tumor is active.
In the study, personalized blood tests were created for each patient based on their tumor’s unique DNA junctions. These tests detected tumor DNA in 93% of patients — a huge success rate for such a difficult cancer to track.
Even more impressive, the blood test often spotted tumor changes before MRI scans did. This means doctors could catch problems earlier and adjust treatments faster, giving patients a better chance at managing their disease.
Why This Matters for Patients
The ability to monitor brain tumors through a simple blood test could change everything for patients with gliomas. Instead of waiting for symptoms or scan results, doctors could see signs of trouble much sooner.
Early detection means earlier interventions — like adjusting medications, planning surgeries, or exploring clinical trials — potentially leading to better outcomes.
This technique also reduces the need for invasive procedures. Since brain biopsies carry serious risks like bleeding, infection, or brain damage, a safer option is a huge step forward.
The Future of Blood Test for Brain Tumor Monitoring
While this research is still early, it lays the foundation for a major shift in cancer care. Scientists plan to expand the study to larger patient groups and fine-tune the blood test to make it even more sensitive and specific.
If successful, this method could someday become a standard part of brain cancer care, helping doctors and patients stay ahead of the disease with fewer risks and more hope.
References
Vasmatzis, G., Burns, T.C., et al. (2025). Personalized blood-based tumor monitoring for high-grade gliomas. Clinical Cancer Research.
Mayo Clinic News Network. (2025). Blood test tracks brain tumor progression with patient-specific DNA markers.
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