"One of the best decisions I made": The research trial that gave hope | News

Five years ago, Shriyesh Patel joined a research trial at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust after being diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer and given just 12-months to live. Today he continues his trial treatment and credits it and the support from Royal Surrey’s Oncology Research Team for his survival. 

Today (4 February) is World Cancer Day and the theme for this year’s campaign is ‘United by Unique,’ highlighting the deeply personal experience of every individual delivering and receiving treatment.

Shriyesh Patel was 59 years old when he was given his cancer diagnosis.

He said: “It was a horrible shock, but I reacted quite well.  I was told it was palliative care and I had no more than a year, but I consider myself to be blessed.  Most people want certainty of death but don’t know the date, this meant all my decision-making conversations and planning were forced.”

During his initial treatment he was told by his consultant Dr Madeleine Hewish that he met the criteria for a research trial being carried out at the trust. 

“Royal Surrey’s brilliant Oncology Research Team explained everything – what it required, that I might receive a placebo and the possible side-effects,” said Shriyesh.

“And I thought, I can help the NHS and future cancer patients.  I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Almost five years after his original diagnosis, Shriyesh is still on the trial and has just had his 70th cycle of treatment.

He said: “I’m now 64, still with stage 4 cancer, but the trial has given me precious time with my family and friends and a chance to make a real difference elsewhere in my life.”

Royal Surrey’s Oncology Research team is involved in almost 50 oncology trials with hundreds of patients actively involved in research at any one time. These are mostly national trials initiated by universities, specialist hospitals and pharmaceutical companies lasting anywhere between five and ten years. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, mortality odds for research-active NHS trusts are 5% lower.

Dr Felicity Paterson, Oncology’s joint Chief of Service at Royal Surrey, said: “Our involvement in a whole range of national and international trials keeps us at the cutting edge of cancer research.  Without the amazing work of our research team, we would not be able to consistently be the top recruiter to trials across Europe.  It’s essential to the high quality of care we’re able to offer our current patients and those we’ll treat in the future.”

Shriyesh’s trial is in its tenth year and is one of the longest running.  He said: “It does mean more hospital visits, more scans and more tests on very strict timelines.  But I’m supported by the very special Oncology Research Team.  They are second to none, take real pride in their work and really listen and respond to individual patient needs.”

Rhianna White is the Clinical Research Practitioner involved in Shriyesh’s trial.  She said: “Any participation is valuable – without trial volunteers we don’t know what works best – if trials are proven to be effective, they can become standardised treatment for all patients with similar disease, so the benefit to future patients is immeasurable. Taking part is huge for the discovery of new and effective treatments.” 

Shriyesh says he wouldn’t hesitate to step forward to be involved.

He said: “Would I encourage someone to sign up for a clinical trial?  It’s a no-brainer, it’s one of the best decisions I made in my life.  Absolutely best.”

Royal Surrey is the UK’s 4th largest cancer centre offering rapid diagnosis, advanced treatments and access to cutting edge research to more than 8,000 patients each year across the south east of England, including delivering 4,000 chemotherapy treatments, almost 3,500 sessions of radiotherapy and over 2,000 cancer surgeries.

The Oncology Research Team were recently awarded the Royal Surrey Stars Patients’ Choice Award following patient nominations. World Cancer Day gives us the opportunity to say thank you to them and all our staff involved in delivering nationally recognised cancer care.