NHS

“I feel better than I did before”

ANewcastle man has spoken about taking part in a life-extending cancer drug trial.

University Hospital of North Midlands has recruited the highest number of patients nationally to a clinical trial for the life-extending cancer drug Lenalidomide.

More than 100 patients signed up for the ‘Myeloma XI’ trial in 2011 and many continue to be in remission.

Lenalidomide is used to treat patients with multiple myeloma - a form of blood cancer - and has recently been approved by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) based on the outcome of the Myeloma XI trial.

Around 5,800 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma every year in Britain. Whilst some survive for several years, myeloma cannot be cured.

Myeloma XI is the largest trial conducted in myeloma to date, with more than 4,000 participants in total. Lenalidomide has been found to almost double the length of time patients spent in remission and also improves the overall rate of survival.

Dr Kamaraj Karunanithi, Director of Research and Innovation at UHNM, said: “Whilst myeloma cannot be cured there is so much research continuing to happen in this area, particularly in relation to the advent of new drugs. By participating in clinical trials people have the opportunity to receive these treatments early and many did in this clinical trial. More than that, it paves the way for future change in the standard of care for people suffering with this incurable cancer. This trial is a very good example of that. “At UHNM we are looking to open many more clinical trials, not only for cancer but for various other conditions. Our aim is to bring research to the forefront of patient care and to deliver exceptional care to the people of Staffordshire.”

Multiple myeloma affects the production of plasma cells in the bone marrow and in turn impacts the body’s immune system. It is characterised by a ‘relapsing-remitting’ pattern, which means the disease goes through periods where the cancer is active and needs treatment, followed by periods where it is under control.

College lecturer Roger Sharman, aged 59 of Clayton, Newcastle, was diagnosed with myeloma six years ago and is also now in remission following the trial.

Roger said: “I had never even heard of myeloma, so it was a big shock to be diagnosed. “At first we were really worried and were thinking about all the worst case scenarios, but then I was given the chance to take part in the trial. It seemed the best way to go and I felt I had nothing to lose, so I just went for it. “Before I started on Lenalidomide, I had intensive treatment to target the myeloma and this caused me difficulties with breathing. Myeloma also affects your blood levels and reduces haemoglobin, so I had no energy. “The Lenolidamide maintenance therapy helped to keep me in a stable condition. I’ve been on it for five years now and have completed 60 cycles. The condition is more manageable, so that feels really good and reassuring. I feel better than I did before and I have more confidence and peace of mind. Every time I’ve been checked, my blood levels have been good. “I’ve received so much attention from the hospital and although I don’t want to be ill, if I have to have it, I feel I’m in the best place.”

Roger and his wife Bev enjoy short walks, weekend breaks away and say they are looking forward to spending more time with their family when Covid restrictions lift.

Roger and Bev Sharman