The University of Bristol’s discovery could lead to a new improved diagnosis of the most prevalent type of aggressive brain cancer.

A simple blood test for glioblastomas (GBMs) could lead to earlier diagnosis and more successful and individualized therapy.

The Bristol-led study, published in the journal The Royal Society Interface, comprises the development of mathematical models to evaluate the present usage of biomarkers in the identification of GBMs and how such biomarker-based tactics might be improved.

This study is a component of a larger CRUK initiative run by the University of Bristol to provide an accessible, point-of-care blood test for the detection of brain tumors. This interdisciplinary effort includes computer modeling, fluorescent nanoparticle synthesis, the discovery of biomarkers, and innovative testing methodologies.

In this latest work, mathematical models and experimental data were combined. Lowering the existing biomarker threshold for the prospective GBM biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) could lead to earlier detection of GBMs, according to the researchers. The team also employed computer modeling to investigate how patient and tumor variables affected detection and improvement tactics.

“Our findings provide the basis for further clinical data on the impact of lowering the current detection threshold for the known biomarker, GFAP, to allow earlier detection of GBMs using blood tests,” said the lead author Dr. Johanna Blee.

It might be able to quantify patient and tumor heterogeneities and factor errors into our models and forecasts for blood levels for various tumors with more experimental data. 

“We have also demonstrated how our models can be combined with other diagnostics such as scans to enhance clinical insight with a view to developing more personalised and effective treatments,” added the lead author.

These mathematical models could be used to examine and compare new biomarkers and tests for brain tumours as they emerge. We are hopeful this research will ultimately aid the development of a simple blood test for brain tumours, enabling earlier and more detailed diagnoses.”

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