Advancements in genomic research and rapid cancer diagnostics

Sidra Medicine has released its Pediatric Oncology Report 2025, detailing advancements in precision oncology and genomic research in Qatar. Between 2019 and 2025, the institution recorded 538 pediatric cancer diagnoses. Leukemia was the most frequent diagnosis at 34%, followed by central nervous system malignancies at 22%. The Sidra Pediatric Oncology Qatar (SPOQ) program is utilizing genomic profiling to better understand tumor biology and provide expedited molecular diagnostics to assist in urgent treatment decisions.

In the United Kingdom, a new pilot scheme is set to transform brain tumour diagnosis through rapid genetic analysis. Developed by teams at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, the DNA test can reduce diagnosis times from weeks to days. In some cases, surgical teams can receive confirmation of a tumour type within two hours during an operation. NHS England plans to trial the test across specialist centres to enable faster access to tailored treatments and clinical trials.