NEUROPATHOLOGY


for future treatment strategies. For those training in pathology during an era of rapid scientific advancement, CRISPR represents a prime example of how innovation may transform future healthcare.


Future directions: artificial intelligence, digital pathology and personalised oncology The future of neuropathology is likely to be shaped by continued integration of molecular medicine, digital technologies and computational biology. Digital pathology systems are increasingly being adopted across healthcare organisations, enabling remote reporting, image analysis and improved collaboration between specialist centres. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms


The neuroscience laboratories (neuropathology, neurobiochemistry, and neuroimmunology) team at The Walton Centre, Liverpool, pictured here celebrating Biomedical Science Day.


behaviour and therapeutic response. These technologies support precision medicine approaches by enabling increasingly personalised treatment strategies.


Another major advance has been


the introduction of DNA methylation profiling, which examines epigenetic paterns across the genome and has demonstrated remarkable accuracy in classifying central nervous system tumours. Studies from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have shown that methylation-based classification can identify tumour subtypes that may be difficult to distinguish using conventional histopathology alone. In some cases, methylation profiling has resulted in revision of original diagnoses, highlighting its diagnostic power.


Translational research and the future of glioma therapy An exciting aspect of contemporary biomedical science is the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice. Many technologies now routinely used within pathology originated as research tools before becoming established diagnostic techniques, which highlights the close relationship between scientific investigation and patient care. Techniques such as peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation, cryopreservation and antibody analysis reinforce the importance of robust laboratory methodologies while illustrating how scientific discoveries


progress from bench to bedside. Importantly, translational research depends upon collaboration. Advances rarely occur in isolation but instead emerge through partnerships between clinicians, laboratory scientists, academic institutions and healthcare organisations.


CRISPR and emerging therapeutic technologies Among the most exciting recent developments in biomedical science is the emergence of CRISPR-Cas9 gene- editing technology. Since its introduction, CRISPR has transformed genetic research by enabling precise modification of DNA sequences with unprecedented efficiency.8


In neuro-oncology, CRISPR


has become a powerful research tool for investigating glioma biology. Researchers have used gene editing to identify genes involved in tumour growth, invasion, immune evasion and treatment resistance.9


These studies have improved


understanding of glioma pathogenesis while identifying potential therapeutic targets. Potential applications include disruption of oncogenic signalling pathways, modification of tumour- associated immune cells and enhancement of antitumour immune responses. Although significant challenges remain before widespread clinical implementation becomes feasible, including delivery systems, off- target effects and safety concerns, the technology offers exciting possibilities


30 WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM August 2026


are also being developed to assist with tumour classification, biomarker assessment and prognostic prediction. At the same time, advances in genomics, transcriptomics and spatial biology are providing unprecedented insight into tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions. Single-cell sequencing technologies now allow researchers to examine individual tumour cells, revealing levels of complexity previously impossible to appreciate. These developments support the


broader movement towards personalised oncology, where treatment decisions are increasingly guided by the unique molecular characteristics of each patient’s tumour.


Role of biomedical scientists in precision medicine The evolution of molecular pathology has transformed the role of biomedical scientists. Historically, laboratory practice focused predominantly on specimen processing, staining and analytical testing. While these responsibilities remain essential, the contemporary biomedical scientist increasingly operates within a multidisciplinary framework that incorporates molecular diagnostics, genomics and translational medicine. Histopathological findings are now interpreted alongside IHC profiles and genomic data to produce integrated diagnostic reports. This process requires close


collaboration between biomedical scientists, consultant neuropathologists, molecular scientists, clinicians and multidisciplinary teams. Understanding molecular pathways, genomic alterations and biomarker significance has become a critical component of professional practice. Biomedical scientists contribute


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