'Pink drink' brain cancer treatment rolled out across NHS in memory of Baroness Jowell

A game changing ‘pink drink’ brain cancer treatment championed by the late Tessa Jowell is to become widely available on the NHS, the health secretary Matt Hancock has announced.

Whilst the treatment has been in use in a few NHS hospitals over the past decade, it will now be used in every neurological centre in England. This is something Baroness Jowell campaigned for so vigorously towards the end of her battle with brain cancer.

The move was made to mark the one-year anniversary of Baroness Tessa Jowell’s death on 12 May 2018 from a brain tumour.

Mr Hancock said: "Tessa Jowell fought passionately and courageously for more recognition of rare brain cancers before she tragically passed away last year.

"One year on, the effects of her tireless campaigning can already be seen.

"I am proud to announce we have now rolled out this ground-breaking treatment aid across the country, transforming care for 2,000 patients every year - a fitting testament to Tessa's memory.”

The Labour peer had tirelessly campaigned for the 5-ALA treatment to be made available on the NHS.

The treatment utilises fluorescent dye and ultraviolet light to make cancerous cells glow under UV lights, and trials have indicated 70.5 per cent of tumours can be successfully removed with the treatment as opposed to 30 per cent without.

It is estimated over 2,000 brain cancer patients a year could benefit from the 5-ALA “pink drink” solution, which the late Ms Jowell described as the “gold standard” of treatment.

The peer had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma, which is the most common type of primary brain tumour in adults in the UK, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.

In January last year the peer earned a rare standing ovation in the House of Lords by telling the house about her cancer and urging health chiefs to make 5-ALA available across the NHS.

Her speech moved many peers in the House of Lords to tears. She said: “I am not afraid,” but she added: “I am fearful that this new and important approach may be put into the “too difficult” box, but I also have such great hope.”

Cally Palmer, national cancer director at NHS England, commented on the announcement, saying: "This is a positive step forward for brain cancer treatment and patients are already benefiting from Tessa Jowell’s inspirational campaigning in her final months.

"Transforming the lives of millions of people with cancer is at the heart of NHS England’s Long Term Plan and we are rapidly driving forward action to catch more cancers earlier, provide innovative new treatments and save tens of thousands more lives every year."