Cancer patients in England face a stark disparity in access to cutting-edge treatments, with doctors warning of a "deadly postcode lottery". This issue stems from a combination of "red tape" and funding shortages, which prevent the widespread availability of two innovative radiotherapy techniques: stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) and molecular radiotherapy (MRT). These treatments, widely accessible in other countries, are known to be effective against various cancer forms. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and Radiotherapy UK are advocating for the implementation of the government's new cancer plan, urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles imposed by NHS England. These obstacles, stemming from complex funding and commissioning policies, hinder hospitals' ability to provide SABR and MRT. The organizations emphasize that unlocking the potential of these novel treatments could significantly improve cancer survival rates, which currently lag behind international standards in Britain. The same "red tape" restricts access to surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT), a technology that enhances radiotherapy precision and reduces long-term organ damage. Only half of cancer centers in England can offer SGRT, with the necessary equipment funded by local charities or private donations, as NHS England does not provide the required funding. Dr. Nicky Thorp, the RCR's vice-president for clinical oncology, highlights the frustration among cancer doctors who want to provide the most effective treatments. She notes that some patients miss out on proven therapies, leading to fewer doses and reduced side effects. Pat Price, the chair of Radiotherapy UK and a professor of oncology, underscores the tragedy of poor cancer survival rates in the UK, attributing it to bureaucratic hurdles and broken funding systems. She emphasizes the potential of cutting-edge radiotherapy treatments like SABR and SGRT to increase cancer cures, precision, and reduce waiting times. These treatments are already in routine use in other countries, contributing to better survival rates. However, the UK's cancer treatment landscape is marred by a postcode lottery, where access to modern radiotherapy depends on one's location. SABR, for instance, is used across the NHS for lung cancer but is limited to a few hospitals in England for liver, prostate, and kidney cancer, despite evidence of its effectiveness. This limitation forces some patients to seek treatment from private hospitals, exacerbating healthcare disparities. Price criticizes the NHS's funding system, which rewards traditional radiotherapy forms but not newer ones, leading to a scarcity of certain cancer treatments. She attributes this to the archaic "tariff" system, which penalizes hospitals for using SABR for non-lung cancer types. Cancer Research UK has long warned about inequalities in treatment access, including SABR, as a key factor in the UK's lagging cancer survival rates compared to other countries. The organization also highlights the impact of insufficient NHS capital funding, which keeps outdated radiotherapy machines in use, contributing to longer waiting times. In response, NHS England acknowledges the plan's aim to make novel treatments more accessible. A spokesperson asserts that every NHS trust delivering radiotherapy can offer stereotactic ablative radiotherapy when clinically appropriate, and they are working with partners to ensure consistent access to proven innovations across the NHS. The upcoming national cancer plan, they assure, will address these concerns.
