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Written question asked by Rehman Chishti (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 October 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 October 2018. It was answered by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 October 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Neuroblastoma: Research

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of funding for neuroblastoma research.

Answer

Research is crucial in the fight against cancer. That is why the Department invests £1 billion per year in health research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

NIHR cancer research expenditure has risen from £101 million in 2010/11 to £137 million in 2016/17. This constitutes the largest investment in a disease area.

The NIHR has spent approximately £5 million on neuroblastoma research covering the period 2011 - present. The following table provides an annual breakdown:

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

£342,769

£424,732

£643,040

£890,394

£942,990

£1,264,231

£523,260

In May the Government announced £40 million over the next five years for brain tumour research as part of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission. Funding will be invested through the NIHR to support a wide range of research to support the translation of laboratory discoveries into treatments and better care for patients. We are relying on researchers to submit high-quality research proposals in this very difficult area. To encourage such applications we have released a NIHR Highlight Notice on brain tumour research asking research teams to submit collaborative applications building on recent initiatives and investments.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health. It is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
177276
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Finance Research Neuroblastoma
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk