Chemotherapy Concerns at UHCW prompt Inquiry After Patient Alleges Years of Unnecessary Treatment
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is facing scrutiny following claims that a patient received years of unnecessary chemotherapy, alongside data revealing considerably higher spending on the drug temozolomide (TMZ) compared to similar hospitals. Law firm Brabners, using Freedom of Information requests, found UHCW spent over £3.6 million on TMZ between 2009 and 2024 – more than ten times the amount spent by comparable NHS trusts.
The allegations center around a patient who believes prolonged chemotherapy treatment stole years of his life. In response, UHCW stated: “The Trust is committed to providing the safest possible care.” The Trust added it “comprehensively reviewed and spoken to all individuals who were receiving temozolomide (TMZ) treatment at the end of 2023 to ensure appropriate support and care plans are in place.”
UHCW acknowledged the complexities of treating high-grade brain tumours, stating, “A high-grade brain tumour is an extremely complex condition and all modes of treatment – surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – carry the risk of complications and side effects.” The Trust also emphasized that National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines allow clinicians to use professional judgement when treating patients.
an independent review, commissioned by UHCW and conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, is currently underway, focusing on a cohort of patients who received more than 12 cycles of adjuvant TMZ between 2017 and 2023. UHCW stated it would be “inappropriate to comment further at this stage” while the review is ongoing.
Separately, the General Medical Council (GMC) confirmed that Dr. Ian Brown, a physician at UHCW, is registered to practice with interim conditions on his registration. These restrictions were first imposed on August 23, 2024, pending the outcome of a GMC investigation.
