News and events

05/03/26

Rare Cancers Bill Passes Third Reading in House of Lords

On February 27, 2026 the landmark Rare Cancers Bill passed the third reading in the House of Lords. The Bill will now go for Royal Assent. It proposes to set up a database of rare cancer patients so they can be easily linked to relevant clinical trials and creates a national lead on rare cancers.


There is a lack of incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop specialised treatments currently, because of the relatively small market for specific drugs. The Bill would require the Health Secretary to review the law relating to so-called “orphan” drugs. 

 

A national lead on rare cancers would also be established under the Bill’s proposals with the responsibility of promoting and facilitating research.


"Today is a landmark moment for everyone affected by sarcoma and all rare cancers," said Sarcoma UK CEO Richard Davidson. Sarcoma accounts for about one per cent of all cancer diagnoses, yet carries a disproportionate burden of mortality. The passing of the Rare Cancers Bill sends a clear signal that patients with rare cancers matter and that the system must work harder for them.

For too long, patients with sarcoma and other rare cancers have been left behind, receiving fewer treatment options, less research investment and little hope of accessing a clinical trial. The Rare Cancers Bill changes that. The fact that 82 per cent of rare cancer patients have never been offered a clinical trial place is a scandal that this legislation will begin to address."

Read more on Sarcoma UK


Photo credit: Sarcoma UK. Scott Arthur MP, who introduced the Private Members’ Bill, at a British Sarcoma Group conference (BSG) that was held in Oxford. He spoke about the Bill during the event. He is pictured with Richard Davidson, CEO of Sarcoma UK, and Prof Anant Desai, who is BSG President.




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