As a former Minister for Public Health, I understand the concerns that some of my constituents have about the need for second stem cell transplants for relapsed blood cancer patients. Although I am proud that the NHS England’s specialised services budget continues to increase, it is an unfortunate reality that we will always have to prioritise the available funding based on where it can do the most good. Difficult decisions such as these are based on the most up-to-date information and are considered at length by a wide array of professionals to ensure value for money and maximum effect.
I am told that unfortunately, during this year's annual prioritisation process by the Specialised Commissioning Oversight Group (SCOG) second bone marrow transplants for patients with relapsed disease was one of four treatments with the lowest cost/benefit priority. This means that it will not be considered for routine commissioning this year. Decisions by SCOG are based on expert recommendations made by the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG). However, all of the policies will be considered again next year.
The Department of Health continues to invest to improve the provision of stem cells for patients requiring a transplant, having pledged £2.5 million over the course of this year to enable more widespread collection of stem cells and increased recruitment of adult donors to ensure better compatibility.
Since 2011, the Department has invested over £19 million to improve stem cell provisions, which has greatly improved the chances of patients finding a suitable matching donor and established a single UK register of donors. I will continue to support this hard work, and the groups which work hard to see it through.