Central nervous system tumours occur when abnormal cells form in the brain and/or spinal cord. Treatment strategy starts with classifying the tumour according to its characteristics – including size and malignancy (tendency to grow and spread). Recently, a test called the DNA methylation-based classifier test has been used in addition to established tests to help with tumour classification, especially tumours that have been difficult to classify using other methods.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective DNA methylation-based classifier testing is for central nervous system tumour classification. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding DNA methylation-based classifier tests.