Download BIR calls for broadening of Cancer Drugs Fund

16 May 2014
The British Institute of Radiology (BIR)
calls for broadening of Cancer Drugs Fund to improve treatment for patients
Extension or broadening of funding could improve access to innovative radiotherapy
The British Institute of Radiology recognises as an important initiative The Sunday Times NHS Reform
Cancer Campaign which calls for swifter diagnosis of cancer; faster, more consistent treatment
throughout the country and more advanced radiotherapy.
The final aim to improve access to innovative radiotherapy is vital and could be easily addressed by
an extension or broadening of the Cancer Drugs Fund to a “Cancer Innovation Fund.”
The Cancer Drugs Fund provides access to new cancer drugs at a cost of £200 million annually. There
is no equivalent regular investment in innovative radiotherapy capability. A £25 million one-off
investment during 2012-13 in innovative radiotherapy was highly effective, supporting a growth in
delivery of the most advanced forms of radiotherapy across England. This stark contrast in funding
levels for new developments is worthy of in-depth public debate. The now disbanded National
Radiotherapy Implementation Group (NRIG) was fundamental to achieving this small success and
provided a method to hold services accountable for the way that any funding was spent. There is an
ongoing need for a national driving force to maintain momentum and ensure that the improved
treatments that new technology continues to offer us are exploited.
There are relatively few advice documents on radiotherapy and cancer treatments from experienced
and independent bodies. In view of this, the report from the Kings Fund in 2011, How to improve
cancer survival: Explaining England’s relatively poor rates, must be regarded as important. The
report states, "It is more important to improve access to surgery and radiotherapy than access to
cancer drugs. In terms of overall allocation of resources, this suggests that the contribution of the
Cancer Drugs Fund to improving overall outcomes will be very limited".
Despite this view, it seems that the Cancer Drugs Fund continues to have strong political support and
is extended to 2016. If it is unacceptable to redirect some of this money to radiotherapy, then this
fund should be expanded for 2-3 years by around £40-50 million per year to deliver a component of
the fund directed towards investment in an increased radiotherapy provision, the implementation of
innovative radiotherapy techniques and the effective training of the workforce to ensure maximum
benefit. Importantly, it should not be spent on replacement of radiotherapy delivery devices that
have reached the end of their useful working life.
Professor Andrew Jones, President of the BIR, said, “This injection of funding would be a significant
boost to the most cost-effective cancer treatment option available, with direct benefits for patient
outcomes”.
Ends
Notes to Editors
About The British Institute of Radiology

The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is an independent multidisciplinary organisation, and
a registered charity, whose membership is open to everyone with an interest in radiology
and radiation oncology.

The British Institute of Radiology is the oldest radiological society in the world.

We strive to ensure that the potential of image science and radiation technology to prevent,
detect and combat disease is fully realised. We believe in the importance of research and
education, and we promote collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and understanding.

To help fulfil our aims, we undertake a wide range of activities, including publishing, the
organisation of scientific meetings and conferences and the provision of library and
information services.
For information about this release please contact:
Carole Cross
Communications Manager
48-50 St John Street
London EC1M 4DG
Tel. 020 3668 2224 [email protected] www.bir.org.uk