Brain: Tumours
(asked on 19th March 2024) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government how much funding they have allocated for research into the (1) cause, and (2) treatment, of astrocytoma brain tumours in each of the past ten years; and to which organisations and projects and those funds were allocated.
Research is crucial in tackling cancer, which is why the Department invests over £1 billion per year in health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR research expenditure for all cancers was £121.8 million in 2022/23. The NIHR spends more on cancer than any other disease group.
The NIHR funds and supports health, public health and social care research that leads to improved outcomes for patients and the public and makes the health and social care system more efficient, effective, and safe. Research evidence is vital for improving treatments and outcomes for people, including those with astrocytoma brain tumours.
The following table shows NIHR-funded research into astrocytoma brain tumours since 2013/14:
Award Title | Contractor | Start Date | End Date | Status | Total Award Budget |
Dabrafenib with trametinib for treating BRAF V600E mutation-positive glioma in children and young people aged 1 to 17 [ID5104] | The University of Sheffield | 12/10/2023 | 12/03/2024 | Active | £70,000 |
A randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial of metformin in tuberous sclerosis complex. | University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust | 1/8/2012 | 28/2/2017 | Closed | £239,665 |
Grand total | - | - | - | - | £309,665 |
The NIHR funds research in response to proposals received from scientists rather than allocating funding to specific disease areas. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including astrocytoma brain tumours. It is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made based on the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.
It is worth noting that all applications that were fundable in open competition have been funded. The Department works closely with research funding partners such as Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council, who fund research into new scientific discoveries.