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MPs to examine support for innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment

22 March 2023

The Future cancer inquiry launched today will explore innovative approaches and developments that are capable of transforming cancer care.

Types of innovations that could be examined by the inquiry range from medicines to artificial intelligence and behavioural interventions. 

The NHS has acknowledged that harnessing the latest technology and the newest approaches to diagnosis is the key to treating future cancer. It holds an annual open competition to identify and support the most promising innovations.

Chair's comment

Health and Social Care Committee Chair Steve Brine MP said: 

“The Government recognises that cutting-edge developments hold the key to transforming the approach to cancer, from diagnosis to treatment.

“New developments, whether a blood test for early diagnosis or less-invasive screening, could change lives and outcomes for millions of people.

“Our Committee will be examining the potential of the most innovative research while seeking reassurance from the Government that workforce planning will ensure that staff will be in place to deliver for cancer patients.

Terms of reference

The Committee invites written submissions addressing any, or all, of the following points. Evidence should be submitted here by 26 April. Written evidence should be no more than 3,000 words. 

  • What are the innovations with the greatest potential to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment in the short, medium and long term?
  • How best can innovations in diagnosing and treating cancer be transitioned into frontline clinical settings?
  • What can be learnt about innovative cancer diagnosis and treatment from international examples of best practice?
  • To what extent is workforce planning keeping up with innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer?
  • Is the impact of innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment on health inequalities being sufficiently taken into account?

Further information

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