Labour MP Richard Baker has secured a commitment that the UK government will work with Scotland and share evidence from the expansion of focal therapy for prostate cancer in England.
The Glenrothes and Mid Fife MP argued that many men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer could benefit from treatment that targets tumours while reducing damage to surrounding tissue.
He told the Commons that focal therapy can produce substantially fewer harmful side effects than more invasive treatments, while noting that access in Scotland remains limited.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government was investing £2.8 million to expand focal therapy at specialist centres in England.
Cooper said the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence would look at the progress being made, and that the government would be keen to work with the Scottish Government so it could see the same results.
Health policy is devolved, so the commitment does not itself expand provision in Scotland. It could, however, give Scottish decision-makers additional clinical and implementation evidence.
