08 Jul 2025 Policy

The first ever leukaemia-dedicated pathway to improve diagnosis, treatment and care

The Best Practice Timed Pathway

We’re delighted to share that Leukaemia UK, in partnership with Lymphoma Action and Myeloma UK, is working with the NHS England Cancer programme team to develop the first-ever Best Practice Timed Pathway (BPTP) for blood cancers — with a focus on leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

This project marks a major step forward to improving the experience and outcomes for people affected by these complex cancers. For the first time, we’ll be setting out a clear and consistent approach to how patients with leukaemia are diagnosed, treated and supported — no matter where they live in England.

We’ve been calling for this for a while and we’re pleased that we are now turning that vision into action.

What is a Best Practice Timed Pathway?

A Best Practice Timed Pathway (BPTP) is a national framework that sets out the key steps and timeframes a patient should move through — from the moment their cancer is suspected to when they start treatment. It aims to ensure faster diagnosis, more coordinated treatment and care, and better support throughout.

By developing and implementing a BPTP for leukaemia, we can:

• Reduce postcode variation in diagnosis, treatment decision making and holistic care
• Speed up diagnosis and treatment
• Improve the overall experience for patients and families
• Support the NHS meeting its operational cancer standards, such as the 28-Day Faster Diagnosis Standard

Why is this needed?

Leukaemia and other blood cancers are not like most other cancers. They’re often harder to diagnose, come in many types, and can affect people of all ages. People with leukaemia are most likely diagnosed in an emergency setting, linked to worse one-year survival. They often require urgent, complex treatment involving a wide range of specialists. But too often, people experience delays, inconsistencies and uncertainty — simply based on where they live.

Currently, there’s no nationally agreed pathway guiding how leukaemia patients should be diagnosed and treated within specific timeframes. This lack of consistency can mean slower diagnosis, delayed treatment, poorer patient experience; all leading to poor quality of life and survival.

How will the BPTP be developed?

A task and finish group has been set up, bringing together:

• National and regional cancer policy and health improvement experts across the NHS
• Clinical haematologists and haematology specialist nurses
• GPs and primary care teams
• Radiologists and pathologists
• People with lived experience of blood cancer
• Leukaemia UK, Lymphoma Action and Myeloma UK policy experts

This group will design the first draft of the pathway. It will then be shared for feedback with a wide range of stakeholders — including healthcare professionals, policy officials, patients and charities — to make sure it truly meets the needs of the blood cancer community.

What this means for patients

This new pathway will help ensure people with leukaemia are:

• Diagnosed earlier and faster
• Treated faster
• Fully supported — physically, emotionally and practically — from day one

It’s about giving every patient the best possible chance, no matter who they are or where they live.

“At Leukaemia UK, we have long called for the development of a Best Practice Timed Pathway (BPTP) for leukaemia, and we’re encouraged to see this ambition beginning to take shape.

We are proud to be leading the development and implementation of the first-ever BPTP for blood cancers alongside our charity partners and working with the NHS England Cancer Programme.

This pathway will not only improve diagnosis and treatment for people with leukaemia but also help lay key foundations for the successful rollout of the upcoming National Cancer Plan and the wider reforms outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan.”

Fiona Hazell, CEO, LeukaemiaUK

What happens next?

This is just the beginning. We’re committed to seeing the BPTP rolled out across England — and will also be advocating for such pathways to be adopted across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so that everyone affected by leukaemia can benefit from earlier and better diagnosis, treatment and care.

Together, we are taking a vital step towards saving and improving more lives of people affected by leukaemia.

Find out more:

NHS England Best Practice Timed Pathways

Lymphoma Action

Myeloma UK