APPG on Stem Cell Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapies

About the APPG

The APPG provides a forum for Members of Parliament to discuss the most important issues around stem cell transplantation and advanced cell therapies. It provides a space for open conversation between elected officials, the NHS and other public bodies, and people with experience of stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy and similar treatments. 

Anthony Nolan provides the secretariat to the APPG on Stem Cell Transplantation and Advanced Cellular Therapies.  

The APPG is not currently active due to the general election 2024. It will resume activity following the return of Parliament.  

APPG Priorities & Membership

Priorities

Every year, the members of the APPG SCTACT review their priorities and agree upon a set of goals for the year ahead. The Group’s most recent priorities include: 

• Raising awareness of the importance of psychological support for stem cell transplant patients, their families and caregivers throughout their treatment pathway. 
• Advocating for support for stem cell transplant and CAR-T therapy patients struggling with the cost of living. 
• Raising awareness of the potential for cell and gene therapies to benefit patients with sickle cell. 

Led by the Chair, members meet throughout the year and make key decisions on activity and policy direction for the Group. 

Latest News & Events

Cell and gene therapies for sickle cell

In January 2023, the APPG held a panel discussion, co-chaired by Mark Tami MP and Janet Daby MP, to explore access to stem cell transplant and gene therapies for people with sickle cell. 

During the roundtable, it became clear that improved awareness of and access to these treatments for severe sickle cell is needed. As a result of the meeting NHS England have agreed to review the commissioning guidelines for stem cell transplants for sickle cell patients with a view to addressing any inequalities in access. 

Cost of living and patient travel costs

Many stem cell transplant patients and families are struggling to meet the rising costs of travel, food, electricity and other basics. The APPG held a public roundtable in May 2023 to discuss this issue and hear directly from those affected. 

Chair of the APPG, Mark Tami MP, went on to secure an adjournment debate in which he called on the government to take action to support those patients in the greatest need. 

Reports

Scared & Forgotten: An inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on blood cancer services

In 2021, the APPG SCTACT and APPG on Blood Cancer launched a joint report, Scared and Forgotten, following an inquiry held by the APPGs into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on blood cancer services.

The report warns that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more blood cancer diagnoses in emergency settings, when the likelihood of survival is worse.

No Patient Left Behind: The Barriers Patients Face When Accessing Treatment and Care 

In 2020, the APPG SCTACT launched a report, No Patient Left Behind, following an inquiry into barriers which patients face when accessing treatment and care. 

The report identifies five themes of barriers patients may face: socio-economic barriers; cultural barriers; geographical barriers; race, ethnicity and discrimination; and complex health systems, health literacy and education.