PEOPLE living with brain cancer in the UK will face shorter waits for new treatments as the government announces plans to fast track research.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham laid out a four-step plan to speed up progress on brain cancer in the UK following a meeting with 25-year-old Olympic swimmer and campaigner, Archie Goodburn, who has an inoperable brain tumour.
The plan involves setting up an expert review into the current research landscape that will go onto inform a detailed action plan, as well as the appointment of a new clinical brain tumour research lead.
Earlier this year, Goodburn, who was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma in 2023, made an emotional plea on the BBC’s flagship breakfast TV show to implore the government to invest more into brain cancer research.
Now, after a meeting with the swimmer, PM Burnham has revealed that the UK will work towards bettering the research climate, along with a promise that he is “determined to deliver the change patients and families deserve”.
Led by the Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper, the first step of the plan will see an immediate review bring together leading brain cancer experts to assess what has changed for brain cancer patients in recent years and what is halting progress.
Based on the evidence gained through this, a more detailed action plan will be created with the focus on getting treatments out of the lab and to patients faster than ever before.
To drive this work forward, the government will appoint a dedicated clinical lead in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Finally, the Prime Minister has asked UK’s drug and medical device authority, the MHRA, to expedite its review of the rule for medicines that treat rare conditions, known as orphan drugs, to be completed a year earlier than planned.
This follows the release of the MHRA’s strategy to 2030 yesterday, which also included commitment to bolstering the UK’s research and drug approval capabilities and speeding us access to new treatment for patients.
According to government figures, 3792 people died of malignant brain cancer in 2023. Nearly 10% (278) of these deaths were in those under the age of 40.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research is currently supporting 59 brain tumour studies across the country, including 35 clinical trials testing new treatments, but needs people with different types of tumours to take part, now and in the future.
To promote Britain as a world-leader in ‘cutting-edge’ brain cancer study, the government will invite patients, families and charities to help design a campaign to encourage more people to become involved with clinical trials.
The Health and Social Care Secretary will also facilitate round table discussions with researchers, clinicians and charities to find new ways to boost participation.
A partnership beginning next year between the Health and Social Care department and Cancer Research UK was also announced and will bring together global experts as part of the mission.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said yesterday: “[Archie] has spoken passionately about the need for change on brain cancer, and he’s right: progress hasn’t been good enough, here or anywhere else. Families facing this disease can’t afford to wait.
“That is why today we’re committing to appoint a dedicated national lead and setting out how we’ll get new treatments to patients faster. I strongly support this work and was delighted to welcome Archie to Downing Street to discuss it with him in person.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper agreed, saying: “Archie has shown extraordinary courage in speaking out and fighting for everyone affected by brain cancer.
“We owe it to every family facing this devastating disease to do better. We’re acting to get more trials under way, new treatments to patients faster and make the UK a leader in tackling brain cancer.”
Featured image: DedMityay on AdobeStock
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