Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to carry out Vorasidenib trials on patients that have undergone (a) radiotherapy and (b) chemotherapy.

Research is crucial in tackling brain cancer, which is why the Department spends £1.5 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with cancer as one of the largest areas of investment, at over £121.8 million in 2022/23, reflecting its high priority.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including clinical trials for brain cancer treatments. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.

The Department aims to ensure that all patients, including those with brain tumours, have access to cutting-edge clinical research and innovative, lifesaving treatments. In order to maximise our potential to be a world leader and develop a more competitive, efficient, and accessible clinical research system, the Department is committed to rapidly implementing recommendations from the Lord O'Shaughnessy independent review of commercial clinical trials, and going further in our support for the forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan.