Overview
- Ethical and regulatory approval has been granted for the NHS‑commissioned Pathways trial, which will enroll about 226 participants and randomise them to immediate treatment or a 12‑month delay.
- Wes Streeting said he is implementing Cass Review recommendations, citing strict eligibility checks, parental consent, and ongoing physical, mental health and psychosocial support for participants.
- Researchers say the youngest participants will typically be girls aged 10–11 and boys aged 11–12, with an upper age limit of 15 years 11 months, and some may remain on treatment if clinically appropriate.
- The study will monitor quality of life, mental health and physical outcomes every three months over two years, with longer‑term annual follow‑up and an estimated budget of about £10 million.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and other critics have called the research unsafe or unethical, while some clinicians welcome evidence‑gathering but warn the trial may not resolve key questions if blockers are assessed as a standalone intervention.