Brain cancer patients to see faster development of new treatments
The UK government announced faster routes from brain cancer research to treatment, including a national lead appointment and expanded clinical trials, following a meeting with campaigner Archie Goodburn.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins met 25-year-old brain cancer campaigner Archie Goodburn in Downing Street after his emotional appeal on BBC Breakfast. The government outlined four steps to accelerate treatment access, including appointing a dedicated national lead to coordinate efforts. The measures follow Archie’s advocacy for faster progress in brain cancer research and care. The Prime Minister emphasised the urgency of change, stating that families affected by the disease cannot afford to wait for improvements.
The government will work with researchers, clinicians and charities to increase participation in clinical trials, led by the Health and Social Care Secretary. A roundtable will convene to identify new ways to boost trial enrolment, addressing historically low participation rates. Ministers also plan to collaborate with industry to make the UK a more attractive location for clinical trials. The Department of Health and Social Care will partner with Cancer Research UK in 2027 to host a global conference promoting Britain’s leadership in brain cancer research.
Archie Goodburn, who has inoperable brain cancer, has campaigned for faster progress and welcomed today’s commitments. The National Institute for Health and Care Research is currently funding 59 brain tumour studies, including 35 clinical trials testing new treatments across the UK. These studies require volunteers with various brain tumour types to participate, aiming to improve therapies for current and future patients. The brain cancer community, including charities like Brainstrust and The Brain Tumour Charity, plays a critical role in raising awareness and recruiting participants.
Charities including Brain Tumour Research and The Tessa Jowell Foundation praised the government’s response, highlighting the need for meaningful change. They noted the UK has invested over £116 million in brain tumour research over the past decade. The new initiatives aim to deliver improvements through a 2027 Cancer Research UK Brain Tumour Conference and a national brain tumour leadership group. The government emphasised that direct input from patients is essential to shaping policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.