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March 2, 2025 – Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for real-time molecular genetic classification of brain tumors during surgery, enabling personalized treatment through immediate DNA analysis. This innovative approach, combining DNA methylation analysis with advanced machine learning, provides surgeons with crucial information about the tumor’s specific molecular characteristics during the procedure.
Developed by a team from the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel Campus, Kiel University, and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Berlin, this technique revolutionizes neurosurgery by allowing for tailored tumor removal based on both location and molecular makeup. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.
“Only through close collaboration between basic research scientists and physicians working in translational medicine was it possible to develop a method that surpasses all previous similar approaches in terms of precision and speed,” said Prof. Dr. Franz-Josef Müller, a lead researcher on the project.
The new method utilizes DNA methylation, an epigenetic marker, as a “fingerprint” to identify distinct tumor types. Nanopore sequencing is employed to rapidly analyze these methylation patterns. To overcome the limitations of obtaining complete methylation data within the surgical timeframe, the researchers used Bayes’ theorem to train a machine learning model. This model processes sequencing data in real-time, classifying tumors in under an hour using less than 0.1% of the genetic data.
“This approach directly links precision medicine with neurosurgery, elevating treatment from a technique-driven procedure to a personalized, disease-centered therapy. Surgery, in this way, becomes a custom-tailored therapy,” said Dr. Carolin Kubelt-Kwamin, a senior physician at the Clinic for Neurosurgery.
The study demonstrated that the real-time classification results align with those of a complete neuropathological examination, accurately classifying even diagnostically challenging tumors. This innovation offers significant advantages, especially in complex cases, by enabling more targeted and precise tumor removal.
The ability to classify tumors intraoperatively allows surgeons to make informed decisions in real-time, minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. This technology is particularly crucial given the diverse nature of brain tumors, which require varying treatment strategies.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available at the time of publication and reflects the findings of a specific study. Medical technologies and surgical procedures are constantly evolving, and further studies may provide additional insights or modify current understandings. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients with brain tumors or concerns about neurosurgery should consult with a qualified neurosurgeon or healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized guidance. The information regarding the new technology is based on information provided by the institutions involved in the study.
