Brain cancer patients will now benefit from plans to speed up new treatments

The UK will introduce new measures to speed up the development of new brain cancer treatments

These new measures were announced after a meeting between the Prime Minister, the Health Secretary and 25-year-old swimmer Archie Goodburn, who has inoperable brain cancer.

Goodburn has been campaigning for faster progress in brain cancer research and treatment, highlighting the urgent need for change during an emotional appearance on BBC Breakfast.

These plans include addressing research delays, improving access to clinical trials and making the UK a leading centre for brain cancer research.

Expert review to examine progress

An expert review, led by Professor Anthony Chalmers, Chair of the Brain Tumour Group within the UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research, will report within three months.

The review will examine progress since the government’s 2018 review of brain tumour research and identify the barriers preventing new treatments from reaching patients more quickly.

Its findings will inform a national action plan designed to move promising treatments from laboratory research into clinical practice more efficiently.

The Department of Health and Social Care will also appoint a national clinical lead for brain cancer to oversee progress and coordinate efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Faster access to rare cancer medicines

The government has also asked the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to accelerate its review of the rules governing medicines for rare conditions, known as orphan drugs.

The review, which was originally expected to take three years, is now expected to be completed within two years. Potential changes could help patients access promising medicines sooner.

Alongside these measures, ministers will work with researchers, healthcare professionals, charities and industry to increase participation in clinical trials and encourage more research to take place in the UK.

More clinical trial opportunities

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.

More participation in these trials could help researchers develop better therapies and improve care for patients now and in the future.

Patients, families and charities will help raise awareness of trial opportunities and support researchers in recruiting suitable participants.

The Department of Health and Social Care will also work with Cancer Research UK to bring together international experts in 2027 and promote the UK’s role in cutting-edge brain tumour research.

The need for progress

Brain cancer continues to have a devastating impact on patients and their families, including younger people.

In England, 278 people under the age of 40 died from malignant brain cancer in 2023. A further 3,514 deaths were recorded among people over 40, bringing the total to 3,792.

The government’s announcement follows a January 2026 commitment of £25 million to support the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium, which focuses on the link between laboratory discoveries and clinical treatment.