Fund second stem cell transplants on NHS for relapse within 12 months

We want the UK Government to provide funding to the NHS so that patients with blood cancer who relapse within one year from their first transplant, and whose clinical team feel they would benefit from a second transplant, are not denied a potentially lifesaving transplant.

For some people whose blood cancer returns after a stem cell transplant, a second transplant can be lifesaving. NHS England’s policy states patients are not eligible for a second stem cell transplant if the cancer returns within 12 months of their first transplant. Anthony Nolan, DKMS and Leukaemia UK are calling on the UK Government to fund and enable NHS England to change its policy, so that no patient is denied a potentially lifesaving stem cell transplant just because they can’t afford it.

The Government recognises the concerns raised by patients, families and charities regarding access to a second allogeneic stem cell transplant for people whose disease relapses within 12 months of a first transplant.

NHS England commissions specialised treatments in line with evidence-based clinical commissioning policies. Under the current commissioning policy (https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/clin-comms-policy-16068p.pdf) a second transplant is routinely funded where relapse occurs more than 12 months after the initial transplant. Patients whose disease relapses within 12 months are not currently eligible under the existing policy.

NHS policy should be guided by the latest clinical evidence, which is why an independent evidence review into the case for a second allogeneic stem cell transplant has already been commissioned.

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 (https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-england-specialised-commissioning-service-development-policy/), 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 (anticipated for early 2027) before any final decisions are made.