Independent law firm, Brabner's, said it was representing the patients who were under the care of retired neurooncologist, Professor Ian Brown, who worked for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.

The brain tumour patients said they were given the chemotherapy drug, temozolomide (sold under the brand name Temodar), for periods far exceeding recommended guidance.

Brabners also alleged substandard neurosurgical care and delays had led to preventable strokes, permanent disability and reduced life expectancy.

A spokesperson for UHCW NHS Trust said: ‘The trust is committed to providing the safest possible care. We have 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.

‘High grade brain tumours are associated with a poor outlook, with fewer than 2% of patients with grade 4 glioblastomas surviving longer than 10 years. 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.

‘NICE guidelines recognise that clinicians can exercise professional judgement appropriate to individual circumstances when offering treatment to patients.

‘We have commissioned the Royal College of Physicians to conduct an independent review of a representative cohort of patients who received greater than 12 cycles of adjuvant TMZ between 2017 and 2023. 

‘As this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'