Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to adopt the guidelines issued by the British Neuro-Oncology Society in August 2023, Guideline for Tissue Sampling of Brain Tumours, to address the variability in access to genetic testing of brain tumours.

NHS England has produced national sample handling guidance for the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of solid tumours, including brain tumours, to standardise collection, processing, and transport. This guidance supports collaboration between neurosurgeons, pathologists, and Genomic Laboratory Hubs to maintain DNA quality and improve access to WGS. Approaches to the handling of fresh tissue have been reviewed, including the use of tissue stabilisers, to reduce some of the barriers of having to acquire, freeze, and transport the frozen tissue, which in turn will speed up processes. These measures aim to address variability and ensure equitable regional access to WGS for brain tumour patients.