National Brain Cancer Lead

Baroness Linforth Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I mentioned a national action plan that will be informed by the three-month review, and I confirm that the Government will publish that national action plan. I would expect to see the markers that the noble Baroness and the noble Lord have called for within that.

[Baroness Linforth (Lab)]

My Lords, I am very pleased that my noble friend Lady Paul asked this Question today as our great friend Baroness McDonagh died of a glioblastoma in 2023. I understand that the NHS is currently running 35 clinical trials related to brain cancer, of which nine are related to glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumour. Will the Minister either tell the House today or write to me setting out how many patients have been recruited to each of those trials?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am grateful to my noble friend for honouring the memory of Baroness McDonagh, as other noble Lords have done, and Baroness Jowell. I know that many noble Lords are affected directly or indirectly by this and will be feeling the weight of that as we discuss this matter. To answer my noble friend’s question, the number of glioblastoma patients who have been recruited into specific trials is not centrally held. There is a reason for that. It is because many studies enrol patients who have more than one type of brain cancer, and the data is managed by study teams and sponsors. I also note that some data for commercial trials is considered commercially sensitive. Each trial will have its own inclusion and exclusion criteria that are set out by the study team. Having said that, if there are particular things with which I can assist my noble friend, of course I will be pleased to do so.