“I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the trial. It’s certainly improved my standard of life”: Cynthia’s research story

Recent research, involving Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield, is helping to improve quality of life for advanced bladder cancer patients.

The trial – which was supported by Weston Park Cancer Charity – found patients can now receive three rounds of chemotherapy followed by the immunotherapy drug avelumab, rather than the previously recommended six.

The research showed that halving the chemotherapy required reduces the risk of severe side effects, without compromising patients’ average survival time.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was the top recruiter for the international trial, with patients from across the region taking part.

Among them was 80-year-old Cynthia from Bakewell, who was diagnosed with cancer over two years ago.

“I had been diagnosed with quite an advanced bladder cancer so it was a bit scary and at that stage I felt like I should grab anything to help,” she said.

Cynthia was randomised into the trial’s six-cycle group, but after her fourth round of chemotherapy she had a severe reaction – coming out in a ‘horrible rash’.

Doctors decided it was no longer safe for Cynthia to continue with chemotherapy and offered her the maintenance avelumab treatment.

“I started on the immunotherapy two years ago in April and it’s been great for me. I’ve not felt ill and I’ve been my usual self on it,” Cynthia said.

“When I was on the chemo, I felt quite weary and was wanting to get into bed but now my energy levels are back and I can lead a normal life. I’m able to go out and do something every day.”

Cynthia now visits Weston Park Cancer Centre every fortnight to have her maintenance treatment. The trial has helped her to continue her active lifestyle: spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and taking part in her local cinema club.

Weston Park Cancer Charity supports the cutting-edge research that takes place at the hospital’s Cancer Clinical Trials Centre (CCTC) and provided funded for the research nurses who worked on the DISCUS trial.

These members of staff are responsible for a wide variety of important tasks, including onboarding patients and supporting them throughout the research process.

“It’s wonderful that Weston Park Cancer Charity is there to help people and to fund research,” said Cynthia.

“I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the trial. It’s certainly improved my standard of life. The cancer’s still there but it’s not got worse over the last few scans so that’s the main thing.

“I can’t praise the team at Weston Park Cancer Centre enough for their constant care and support. Without the trial I would not be here now. Knowing it has helped others is a really nice feeling too.”

Emma Clarke, CEO of Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“The DISCUS trial is an incredible example of how research can help individuals to live well – with and beyond cancer.

“It’s fantastic to hear about the positive impact the trial has made on Cynthia’s life, and to know that so many other patients will benefit from its findings too.

“The research that takes place at the CCTC is nothing short of remarkable, and we’re proud to be awarding a further £300,114 towards its life-saving work.

“I’d like to personally thank all of the generous supporters who make our research grants possible. Cancer changes everything. But together, so can we.”

You can contribute to the future of cancer research, by supporting Weston Park Cancer Charity today