International success for a clinical trial at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
Posted 25th May 2015
On International Clinical Trials Day, May 20th, the Centre reveals the research strides it has been taking to provide the best possible care for patients.
A clinical trial which ran at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has been hailed as an international success. The new drug is being used to treat breast cancer patients, whose cancer has spread to other parts of their body, and whose prognosis is poor. The trial has produced significant results, significantly prolonging patient’s lives.
The final results of the CLEOPATRA trial were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology. They showed that an unexpectedly high number of participants survived for more than four years after treatment began. The increase has been hailed as ‘unprecedented’ by experts. As a consequence of the success of the trial, at the Centre and globally, this treatment has now become a standard treatment on the NHS.
The trial involved the addition of a drug called pertuzumab to the standard dose of chemotherapy. Treatment is administered regularly to help control the disease.
Sarah Rose, advanced research practitioner at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, explained: “Pertuzumab targets a protein on the surface of cancer cells which encourages them to grow. By stopping these signals, the cancer’s progress is controlled and as a result, patients are able to live a longer, more comfortable life.”
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre patient completes 100th cycle of chemotherapy on International Clinical Trials Day.
Pat Bordley, a grandmother from Wallasey, was one of 808 patients to take part in the trial, which ran across 25 countries. Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2009, at this time she was told she would be unlikely to live until Christmas.
She was offered the opportunity to be part of the trial at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and for the last six years, Pat has been undergoing chemotherapy every three weeks. She has just completed her 100th cycle of treatment, which has successfully kept the cancer at bay and has enabled her to enjoy a further five Christmases with her family.
Sarah, who has been Pat’s nurse since 2009 commented: “Pat’s remarkable story illustrates the value that clinical trials at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre bring to patients and it is fitting to mark her progress on International Clinical Trials Day, to make others aware of the options that clinical trials can open. Pat’s case is particularly rewarding because the treatment has progressed from an early investigative trial, to one that is now being offered as a standard treatment on the NHS.”
Pat Bordley commented: “I retired from teaching two years ago and I’m thoroughly enjoying time with my husband and family. My husband and I still enjoy holidays in the UK and take our grandchildren whenever we can. Without this trial I would never have been able to do this, which makes the initial side effects well worth it.
“I’ve become something of a regular at the Centre over the past six years and quite enjoy having a good catch up with the nurses every few weeks – long may it continue!”
Pat’s trial is one of over 120 clinical trials currently taking place at the Centre. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre works collaboratively with a number of research partners to provide access to these trials which test new treatments for cancer aimed at ensuring patients experience the best available cancer care.
Clinical trials are a crucial part of investigating new treatments and medicines for patients. By taking part in research, patients can help improve cancer provision for future generations.
