Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients with blood cancer have been denied funding for a second donor stem cell transplant due to the current NHS policy of not allowing patients to have a second transplant if they relapse under one year from the first donor stem cell transplant.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England does not routinely collect or hold data on the number of patients with blood cancer who do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in its clinical commissioning policies, the numbers who have not been funded to receive treatment under the current commissioning policy, or the number of patients whose disease relapsed under 12 months of a first allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

NHS England recognises the seriousness of relapse following a stem cell transplant and is actively reviewing the current policy, working with clinicians, patients, and charities to assess the latest available evidence. A revised draft policy is expected to undergo stakeholder testing in the new year, with final decisions currently anticipated in late spring 2027.

The ongoing review will consider the latest peer-reviewed clinical evidence, alongside clinical benefit, patient safety, affordability, and the opportunity cost of any new investment. Any changes to commissioning arrangements will be considered through NHS England's established policy development process, which includes an independent evidence review, expert clinical input, patient and public involvement, and stakeholder testing. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft policy through a formal stakeholder testing process before any final decisions are made.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been unable to have a second donor stem cell transplant due to NHS guidance which does not allow patients to have a second transplant within a year if they have relapse under one year from the first transplant.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England does not routinely collect or hold data on the number of patients with blood cancer who do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in its clinical commissioning policies, the numbers who have not been funded to receive treatment under the current commissioning policy, or the number of patients whose disease relapsed under 12 months of a first allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

NHS England recognises the seriousness of relapse following a stem cell transplant and is actively reviewing the current policy, working with clinicians, patients, and charities to assess the latest available evidence. A revised draft policy is expected to undergo stakeholder testing in the new year, with final decisions currently anticipated in late spring 2027.

The ongoing review will consider the latest peer-reviewed clinical evidence, alongside clinical benefit, patient safety, affordability, and the opportunity cost of any new investment. Any changes to commissioning arrangements will be considered through NHS England's established policy development process, which includes an independent evidence review, expert clinical input, patient and public involvement, and stakeholder testing. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft policy through a formal stakeholder testing process before any final decisions are made.

Richard Pengelly

Found: . 148) Current membership Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative; North Cotswolds) (Chair) Mr Clive Betts

Found: Cocking Chris Curtis Maya Ellis Mr Will Forster Naushabah Khan Mr Gagan Mohindra Joe Powell Mr Clive Betts

Found: . 148) Current membership Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative; North Cotswolds) (Chair) Mr Clive Betts

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair); Mr Clive Betts; Sarah Green;

Found: . 148) Current membership Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative; North Cotswolds) (Chair) Mr Clive Betts

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair); Mr Clive Betts; Sarah Hall; Catherine

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair); Mr Clive Betts; Sarah Hall; Catherine