First new brain tumour drug for 20 years could give children an extra 18 months with family [Video]

CHILDREN with deadly brain tumours could get an 18-month survival boost with the first new NHS drug for almost 20 years.

The medicines watchdog has approved the gene-targeting drug combination of dabrafenib and trametinib for children with glioma brain cancers.

Around 30 critically ill children could be eligible each year in England.

In trials, under-18s who received the drugs saw their cancer stop growing for two years – 25 months – compared to seven months for standard chemotherapy.

Some have even seen their tumours disappear completely – although more studies are needed to prove the drugs’ potential as a cure.

It causes fewer side effects and can be taken by mouth at home instead of on a hospital visit.

Dr Michele Afif, chief of the Brain Tumour Charity, said: “This may only affect …