Patients suffering from rare cancers in the UK are set to benefit from faster access to groundbreaking clinical trials via the NHS App. This initiative, part of the government’s new National Cancer Plan, aims to prioritize neglected rare cancers by appointing new national leads and enhancing research funding.
The announcement follows a significant £32.3 million boost to brain cancer research funding since July 2024. This funding is expected to improve survival chances for patients with rare cancers, including brain cancers, through increased access to innovative treatments and clinical trials.
Empowering Patients Through Technology
Under the new plan, patients will initially be able to search for clinical trials using the NHS App and request to be contacted. Eventually, the app will allow patients to automatically receive information about trials that could benefit them. This digital transformation of the NHS aims to empower patients by providing a seamless experience from booking GP appointments to accessing state-of-the-art treatments.
The Rare Cancers Bill, introduced by Dr. Scott Arthur MP and currently under parliamentary consideration, is designed to incentivize research and investment into rare cancer treatments. Over the next three years, it will facilitate more consistent access to research and expedite the transition from discovery to treatment.
Boosting Research and Expertise
To further support this initiative, the government has committed to recruiting top cancer experts, including a new national lead for rare cancers. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) will also establish a new Specialty Lead for Rare Cancers to oversee a program aimed at simplifying the clinical trial process in England.
“I know how painful it is for rare cancer patients and their families to be held back by a clinical trials system that was never designed with them in mind,” said Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. “We’re modernizing the NHS so rare cancer patients not only get breakthrough treatments faster, but so we have more experts in the right places able to boost survival rates for rare cancers across the country.”
This development is part of a broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with organizations like Cancer Research UK. The government is co-funding the CRUK Brain Tumour Centres of Excellence with £3 million, focusing on research, treatment improvements, and enhancing survival rates.
Real-Life Impact and Future Prospects
One of the success stories highlighting the impact of clinical trials is that of Mike Shurmer, a 65-year-old from Swindon. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Mike participated in the NIHR-funded FUTURE-GB trial, which used advanced technology to remove more of the tumor without affecting brain function. His participation extended his life beyond initial expectations, allowing him to manage his condition effectively.
“Take your opportunity to take part in a research trial, please do it. The findings from these studies will help innovative surgery become normal, and move the dial forward, which is fantastic,” said Mike Shurmer.
The government’s commitment to improving access to clinical trials is evident in its plan to establish a Cancer Clinical Trials Accelerator. This initiative, hosted by the NIHR Industry Hub, aims to enhance the speed, reliability, and scope of cancer trials, providing a streamlined pathway for investment and participation.
Expert Opinions and Community Support
Experts in the field have welcomed these developments. Professor Richard Gilbertson, Chair of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, expressed optimism about the increased funding for brain tumor research, noting its potential to significantly impact survival rates for children and young adults.
Dr. Graham Cadwallader, Head of Clinical Research at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the importance of strong investment in science to accelerate the development of new treatments. “Rare cancers make up around 24% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK and EU, with patients too often facing slow progress and few treatment options,” he said.
Dan Knowles, CEO at Brain Tumour Research, highlighted the urgent need for greater investment and access to clinical trials, stating, “Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40, and greater investment in research and wider access to clinical trials is the only way to change this.”
Together, the Rare Cancers Bill, the Cancer Clinical Trials Accelerator, and strengthened partnerships with research organizations represent a significant step forward for brain cancer patients. This comprehensive approach aims to replace delays and fragmentation with coordinated access and renewed hope for those affected by rare cancers.
