A light-based blood test to spot brain tumors in children
Original title: Serum identification of childhood brain tumors by fused laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was done on cells in a lab, not in people. It is a very early step.
This was early lab work on blood samples from a few children, not a test doctors can offer.
The short version
Scientists tested a fast way to check dried blood for childhood brain tumors.
What was studied. Researchers took blood samples from 10 healthy children and 12 children with brain tumors. They dried the blood, shone lasers on it, and used computer programs to sort the samples.
What they found. One laser method sorted the samples right 86.57% of the time. A second method got 86.29%. Using both methods together did better, with an average of 92.29%.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: Someday a simple blood test might help doctors look for a brain tumor in a child. It could be faster and less painful than the tests used now. It is not something a family can ask for today.
What it doesn't mean: This does not mean a new test is ready. It was early lab work on a small number of blood samples. It does not treat a tumor, and it is not a cure. Much bigger studies are needed before any doctor could use this.
Source: PubMed, September 3, 2026 · Read the original
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