Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Pioneers changing lives in cancer
Hospital joins clinical trials around world
More patients are being cured of blood and lymphatic cancers thanks to pioneering work at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
Its haematologists are collaborating with others around the world in groundbreaking clinical trials to develop new drugs and treatments.
Lavinia Davey, who set up and manages the specialist unit at the K&C, says the team is proud to be at the cutting edge of research and making such a difference to patients’ lives.
About 100 new patients a year are recruited into clinical trials and a further 700 have completed cancer treatments, with their progress continuing to be monitored.
Some have now spoken about how the pioneering treatment has given them their lives back.
Ms Davey says that, while there is a clear commitment to research, providing the best care for patients remains their most important job.
The success of recruiting people into the trials has been helped by the large patient population in east Kent.
But not everyone is suitable and the haemato-oncology team has to be consider which patients are eligible, depending on specific criteria and disease characteristics.
Ms Davey said: “When we offer patients treatment within a clinical trial, we have to ensure they are fully informed, not only about the benefits but any potential risks or side effects.
“It’s a personalised process and we want the patient to have a clear understanding of what is entailed and make an informed decision about participation.
“We are finding that about 95% of those offered the chance to join a clinical trial take up the opportunity, not just for themselves, but because they also hope it will help others in the future.
“Some of our patients have incurable cancers. But even so, many continue to experience sustained and durable remissions with novel treatments, allowing them to look to the future and enjoy a good quality of life.”
Ms Davey says developing relationships with the patients is one of the most valued parts of the job.