Brain Tumor Classification from FFPE Samples Using Nanopore Methylation Sequencing

Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) based methylation sequencing is increasinglyrecognized for its rapid and accurate classification of brain tumors, which is essential foroptimal patient treatment. However, widespread clinical utility is currently limited by theneed for fresh-frozen biopsies and not the standard-of-care formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Our study explores the impact of FFPE on DNAmethylation and presents a developed and validated protocol for ONT-based FFPEtumor classification. We present a practical solution for precise brain tumor diagnoses inroutine clinical settings, facilitating timely treatment decisions at the point of care withoutinterfering with operating room standards.