Global Alliance calls for development of local genomic sequencing infrastructure to improve brain tumour outcomes in Scotland

At present, patients diagnosed with brain tumours in Scotland face critical delays in receiving personalised treatment due to the absence of in-country molecular diagnostics. Tumour samples are sent to laboratories in England for genomic profiling, often leading to turnaround times of several weeks. These delays are incompatible with the clinical demands of managing aggressive central nervous system malignancies, many of which progress rapidly and require early, targeted intervention.

Mr. Nazar Vasyliv, neurosurgeon-scientist and research member of the Global Alliance, stated: “Timely molecular profiling is no longer optional — it is a clinical necessity. The biological complexity of brain tumours requires stratified treatment approaches guided by genomic data. Without immediate access to these insights, clinicians are forced to make suboptimal decisions, and patients are denied potentially life-extending therapies.”

The lack of local sequencing capacity in Scotland also limits access to clinical trials, impedes precision treatment planning, and creates inequalities in care. With the global neuro-oncology community moving decisively toward integrated molecular diagnostics, Scotland risks falling behind.

Mr. Nazar Vasyliv, Scientific CEO Global Alliance for Neurosurgical & Brain Cancer Research Innovations at Cross Brain Tumour Party at Scottish Parliament

The Global Alliance advocates for the creation of a national infrastructure to support genomic characterisation of brain tumours within Scotland’s NHS framework. This includes investment in sequencing technologies, trained molecular pathology personnel, and the development of data governance systems to ensure ethical, secure integration into clinical practice.

Scotland has the scientific capability to lead. Its world-class academic institutions, translational research environment, and robust clinical networks provide a strong foundation for the implementation of local precision oncology services.

The Alliance is calling on the Scottish Government, the NHS, research charities and academic stakeholders to coordinate on this shared objective. Strong policy leadership and strategic investment are needed to ensure that brain tumour patients in Scotland have access to the same standard of care as their counterparts elsewhere in the UK and globally.

“This is a pivotal opportunity for Scotland to embed precision medicine into the core of neuro-oncology care,” Mr. Vasyliv added. “It is scientifically feasible, clinically necessary, and ethically imperative.”