Brain Tumour Research is today launching its Manifesto for Wales, demanding urgent action from the Welsh Government to transform outcomes for brain tumour patients in Wales.
In Wales, 674 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year and only 17.2% of patients survive their brain cancer diagnosis five years or more, compared to an average 61.5% for all cancers.
Our Plan for Change urges the Welsh Government to address systemic barriers to clinical trials, research funding and access to whole genome sequencing, to bridge the “devolution gap” and ensure Welsh brain tumour patients are not left behind.
Increasing access to clinical trials in Wales
Between 2019 and 2024, Wales hosted 120 industry-sponsored cancer clinical trials, none of which were for brain cancer. Of the 681 participants recruited to trials, zero were brain cancer patients.
Brain Tumour Research is calling for greater access and uptake for clinical trials across Wales, and on the Welsh Government and NHS to increase recruitment from 0% to at least 10% over the next parliamentary term.
Ending inequalities in access to innovative tools
There are more than 100 different types of brain tumours making them notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can transform diagnosis and treatment by mapping a tumour’s full genetic profile, opening the door to targeted therapies and global clinical trials. Yet adult brain tumour patients in Wales do not routinely receive WGS, with some forced to travel across the border to England.
The Manifesto calls for WGS to become standard care in Wales, including investment in fresh-frozen tissue storage – the technique required to harness genomic data from tissue taken during surgery – and to improve awareness of the importance of genomic testing among patients and clinicians.
Increasing investment in research into brain tumours
Since 2015, Health and Care Research Wales has funded just one brain tumour research project, with none funded since 2022. Brain Tumour Research is urging the Welsh Government to establish a specific funding call for brain tumour research by the end of 2026 and to be held accountable for progress.
Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research, said: “It is unacceptable that there have been no brain tumour clinical trials in Wales in five years. Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young people, yet patients here are being locked out of innovation. Our Manifesto for Wales is a clear, evidence-based roadmap to change that. By expanding access to clinical trials, embedding whole genome sequencing into standard care, and committing to targeted research funding, the Senedd – regardless of who is in power come May – has the power to transform survival and give patients real hope. The time to do things differently is now.”
Lauren
Lauren Macpherson, 29, from Cardiff, who was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in September 2025, is backing the campaign. She said: “A brain tumour diagnosis is frightening enough, but no one should be put in a position where their chances of survival depend on where they live in the country or what they can afford. I am backing the manifesto for Wales because people in Wales deserve better. Better access to specialist care, better treatments and stronger support for patients and families from diagnosis onwards. Lives depend on it.”
Read the full manifesto and find out how you can support our campaigning in Wales here.
Related reading:
