A Bill to set a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year; to require training for medical oncologists to include training relating to brain cancers; to provide that any drug that has been licensed for use on tumours must be trialled on people with brain tumours; to make provision in relation to neuro-oncology multidisciplinary teams in the NHS, including a requirement that each such team must include a medical oncologist; to require manufacturers of drugs licensed to treat tumours to make those drugs available in specified circumstances for clinical trials relating to brain tumours; to make provision about the application of funding caps on funding for multi-drug treatments for glioblastoma brain tumours; to make provision about the processes for funding of drugs intended for the treatment of glioblastoma; to make provision about the management of drug trial data, for the purpose of increasing the quality of data relating to glioblastoma patients; to make provision about reviewing the allocation of existing funding for brain tumour research by the National Institute for Health and Care Research; to make provision about the direct referral of patients by optometrists to accident and emergency departments for the purpose of diagnosing brain tumours; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Dame Siobhain McDonaghLabour (Co-op)
12 February 2025
The Brain Tumours Bill aims to boost brain cancer research and care. It would set an annual target for glioblastoma patients taking part in clinical trials, require brain-cancer training for medical oncologists, and ensure trials include brain tumour patients and that licensed tumour drugs can be used in brain tumour trials, among other measures to improve NHS neuro-oncology care, funding and data.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and is sponsored by Dame Siobhain McDonagh.
Generated 21 February 2026
The dissolution of Parliament took place on Thursday 30 May 2024. All business in the House of Commons and House of Lords has come to an end and this bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.