Detecting brain tumours in tears

Researcher:

Professor Petra Hamerlik 

Detecting cancers at an early stage saves lives. But brain tumour symptoms can be similar to signs of other health conditions, which can delay diagnosis.

Professor Petra Hamerlik in Manchester is developing a groundbreaking new way of detecting brain tumours. The test she’s working on is a type of liquid biopsy. These are tests that looks for signs of cancer in bodily fluids, often blood. But Professor Hamerlik is turning her attention to elsewhere – to tears.

Tears contain proteins, and Professor Hamerlik’s team have discovered that tears from people with brain tumours contain specific, tell-tale proteins. The test, which is quick and painless for patients, could provide doctors with a fast and accurate way to tell whether someone could have a brain tumour.

If successful, this research could help diagnose brain tumours as early as possible, giving people better chances of survival.

Location

University of Manchester 

Funding:

£508,386

Dates:

 September 2024 – August 2027