Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans do they have to tackle geographical disparities when it comes to the treatment of glioblastoma.

The Government recognises that there are currently limited treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumours, such as glioblastoma, and recognises the significant impact that this rare cancer can have on outcomes and experiences of care.

Several steps are being taken to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

In January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer. In addition to speeding up diagnosis and treatment, the work being undertaken by the consortium aims to ensure that patients have access to the latest treatments and technology and to clinical trials. This will make a significant contribution to bringing the United Kingdom’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

In February 2026, the Department published the National Cancer Plan for England which sets out how patients with rare cancers, including glioblastoma, will benefit from a move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams which cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. To accelerate breakthroughs, the Government will explore innovative procurement methods, such as advance market commitments, to stimulate the development of new diagnostic tests, targeted therapies, and more effective treatments for rare cancers, such as brain tumours.

The Department recognises that cancer outcomes remain poorest in some deprived, rural, and coastal areas. To support improvement, the Government has provided £200 million of ring‑fenced funding for Cancer Alliances in 2026/27 to improve cancer pathway performance and reduce delays. The Department monitors progress through regular oversight with NHS England, tracking improvements in early diagnosis and treatment standards across regions. These measures underpin our commitment to reducing geographic disparities so that a patient’s chances of survival do not depend on where they live.