Swimmer with rare brain cancer urges UK government to increase support
8 reported
Archie Goodburn, a 24-year-old champion swimmer diagnosed with a rare, inoperable form of brain cancer, is calling on the UK government to increase support for people with the condition. Goodburn, who missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics by a few tenths of a second in April 2024, was later found to have three oligodendrogliomas, rare tumors that account for about 3% of all brain cancer diagnoses. He received Vorasidenib, a breakthrough treatment, through an expanded access program, which delayed the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy and allowed him to resume training. Goodburn will compete in the 50m breast stroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month. He and the Brain Cancer Justice campaign are urging the government to release the remaining funds from a £40m pledge made in 2018 and to appoint a named brain cancer lead. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that it understands more needs to be done and is committed to securing patient access to innovative medicines.
What’s reported
Archie Goodburn is a 24-year-old champion swimmer with a rare, inoperable form of brain cancer.
He was diagnosed with three oligodendrogliomas, which make up about 3% of all brain cancer diagnoses.
Vorasidenib, a breakthrough treatment, delayed the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Goodburn will compete in the 50m breast stroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month.
Brain cancer is the biggest cancer killer for children and adults under 40, but since 2002 it has received just 1% of the government’s national cancer research budget.
The all-party parliamentary group on brain tumors called the gap between research and clinical trials the “valley of death.”
A small fraction of the £40m pledged by the government for brain cancer in 2018 has been spent.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it is “committed to securing patient access to effective and innovative new medicines.”
Key figures
Archie Goodburn, champion swimmer and patient
Department of Health and Social Care (responded to petition)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) (provisionally recommended against Vorasidenib before overturning)
Brain Cancer Justice campaign
Sources: The Guardian
