Brain Tumour Research has welcomed the Government’s latest announcement on clinical trial reform, which will be set out in its new 10 Year Health Plan.
As part of the Government's reforms, millions of people will be able to join clinical trials more easily via the NHS App, helping to accelerate access to innovative treatments for conditions including brain tumours. The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) Be Part of Research service will now be integrated into the app, which will then automatically match patients with relevant studies based on their health data.
This is a potentially groundbreaking development for the brain tumour community, where a lack of access to trials and slow set-up times have long held back progress. With the average trial set-up time in the UK currently at 250 days – compared to just 100 in Spain – the Government’s commitment to reduce this to 150 days or less by March 2026 is especially welcome.
Public reporting of NHS trusts’ clinical trial activity and prioritised funding for high performers could drive much-needed accountability and performance improvements.
Dr Karen Noble, our Director of Research, Policy and Innovation, said: “This plan has the potential to deliver real change to brain tumour patients and their families. Faster, fairer access to clinical trials is vital in the fight against this devastating disease. It is equally vital that the research ecosystem is in place and funded to drive progress and innovation from the scientist’s bench to clinical trials at the patient’s bedside. We look forward to seeing these reforms translated into action, especially for the brain tumour community, and will continue to campaign for improvements along the entirety of the translational pathway.”
Brain Tumour Research encourages all eligible individuals to sign up here and help to shape the future of treatment and care.
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