Patients with rare cancers – including brain cancers – will have a better chance of survival thanks to a fast-track scheme for clinical trials and access to breakthrough treatments announced by the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care.
Rare cancer patients are to receive faster access to life-changing clinical trials through the NHS App and the Government has announced it will prioritise neglected rare cancers with the appointment of new national leads for rare cancers. The improvements follow a £32.3m boost to brain cancer research funding since July 2024, according to the Department of Health.
The government is also strengthening its partnership with Cancer Research UK, including £3 million to co‑fund the CRUK Brain Tumour Centres of Excellence starting this year and focused on driving research, improving treatments and enhancing survival rates for both children and adults.
The Master, Professor Richard Gilbertson, is Chair of the , a non-profit dedicated to improving treatment, care and research for brain cancer. The organisation is named in memory of Dame Tessa Jowell, the widely-respected cabinet minister in Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s governments. Professor Gilbertson also co-directs the CRUK Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence that is performing fundamental research to discover new treatments for children with a brain tumour.
Professor Gilbertson, pictured below right, said: “We are delighted and excited by the announcement of a substantial increase in funding for brain tumour research. This much needed support will help us in our efforts to end the scourge of brain tumours that kill more children, young people and young adults than any other cancer.
“Thanks to the hard work of all partners, patients and families united through the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, the community is ready more than ever to use this resource to take on the challenge of diseases.”
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