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Written question asked by Clive Betts (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 4 September 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Friday, 18 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Stem Cells: Transplant Surgery

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients with blood cancer have been denied funding for a second donor stem cell transplant due to the current NHS policy of not allowing patients to have a second transplant if they relapse under one year from the first donor stem cell transplant.

Answer

NHS England does not routinely collect or hold data on the number of patients with blood cancer who do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in its clinical commissioning policies, the numbers who have not been funded to receive treatment under the current commissioning policy, or the number of patients whose disease relapsed under 12 months of a first allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

NHS England recognises the seriousness of relapse following a stem cell transplant and is actively reviewing the current policy, working with clinicians, patients, and charities to assess the latest available evidence. A revised draft policy is expected to undergo stakeholder testing in the new year, with final decisions currently anticipated in late spring 2027.

The ongoing review will consider the latest peer-reviewed clinical evidence, alongside clinical benefit, patient safety, affordability, and the opportunity cost of any new investment. Any changes to commissioning arrangements will be considered through NHS England's established policy development process, which includes an independent evidence review, expert clinical input, patient and public involvement, and stakeholder testing. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft policy through a formal stakeholder testing process before any final decisions are made.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19836
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Transplant surgery Stem cells Blood cancer
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk