Government announces brain cancer review after meeting swimmer Archie Goodburn
An expert review is due within three months and will inform a plan to move brain cancer treatments from research to patients faster.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper met swimmer Archie Goodburn at Downing Street on 14 October 2026, as the UK government announced an expert review of brain cancer progress. Due to report within three months, the review will inform a national action plan intended to get new treatments from research to patients faster.
The government said Professor Anthony Chalmers would lead the review, examining what has changed for patients since a previous review in 2018 and what still holds back progress. It has not given a date for the action plan that is intended to follow.
Clinical trials and a national lead
Ministers also plan to work with researchers and industry to make the UK a better place to run brain cancer clinical trials. The Department of Health and Social Care plans to partner with Cancer Research UK next year to convene international experts and promote UK brain cancer research.
The Evening Standard, carrying PA Media reporting, said officials also announced a national brain cancer clinical lead. The BBC reported that Goodburn had called for a national lead and more resources for research and care in an earlier BBC Breakfast appeal. The clinical lead addresses one of his specific requests.
The government said the review’s findings would be shared with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours and brain cancer charities. Its announcement also referred to a separate review of rare cancer medicines required by the Rare Cancers Act 2026, to be led by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Goodburn’s appeal and the scale of brain cancer
The BBC reported that Goodburn was diagnosed in 2024 with three inoperable oligodendrogliomas and received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. His appeal for more resources came before the Downing Street meeting.
The BBC also reported figures from Brain Tumour Research showing the field’s reliance on charities. According to the charity, they provided more than 75% of UK investment in brain tumour research, while government funding accounted for 25%.
The government cited England figures showing 278 deaths from malignant brain cancer among people under 40 in 2023, and 3,792 deaths across all ages that year. Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell called the announcements an important step towards accelerating progress, according to the government release and the Evening Standard.
Sources and context
- Archie Goodburn thanked as ministers announce plans to improve brain cancer careEvening Standard / PA Wire
- Swimmer Archie Goodburn to meet prime minister over cancer fundingBBC News
- Brain cancer patients to see faster development of new treatmentsPrime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street and Andy Burnham MP
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