Andrew Forshaw's Story
“It’s given me a new lease of life, I'd encourage anybody to take part in the clinical trial”
Andrew Forshaw has thanked his healthcare team for the opportunity to be part of the future treatment of Follicular lymphoma.
When Andrew started his treatment in 2020 he was offered the chance to take part in a research trial “PETREA”: Phase 3 evaluation of PET- guided, Response-Adapted therapy in patients with previously untreated, high tumour burden follicular lymphoma.
Which researches and compares treatments for patients with follicular lymphoma and also records the impact it has psychologically on patients.
Andrew said: “When the clinical trial team offered me the opportunity to take part, I didn’t know what the outcome would be for me at the time, so I took some time to think about my decision”.
“The offer of being included in the trial was initially a surprise, I wasn’t sure what was involved, but I needn’t have worried as I was really well looked after in terms of my treatment; in effect I only had to answer a multi-choice questionnaire every time I had my chemotherapy treatment. I really had nothing to worry about”.
“I didn’t know how my treatment would turn out, but I thought at least I could help other people who are going through a similar situation.”
Andrew initially started with a course of six treatments of chemotherapy every eight weeks at the Shooting Stars Unit in Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The trial aimed to understand how the drugs affected patients through different stages of their treatment.
He was then given an end of treatment PET-Scan; the results of which were then randomised to one of the four maintenance treatment arms. His resulting randomisation was to continue another 12 cycles of chemotherapy. This was then followed by a scan to assess outcome.
Andrew’s treatment was a success and is currently cancer free. He will continue seeing his oncologist Dr De Soysa alongside the research team for six monthly check-ups until 2029.
Andrew added: “I’m really pleased now my treatment has been successful, and I was well looked after by Dr De Soysa and all the staff members on Shooting Stars Ward.
“I am proud and privileged to have been asked as I was well looked after by the NHS organisation, I can’t praise them enough, it’s given me a new outlook on my life. Given the opportunity I would encourage other people to take part in a clinical trial, not only can it benefit yourself but also others with the same condition in years to come.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible team at the Shooting Star Ward for their exceptional care and support during my time having chemotherapy treatment.
“I’d like to thank them for their dedication and compassion which made my difficult journey more bearable, I’m forever grateful.
“I would like to personally thank Dr De Soysa for her dedication, care and ability to steer me to a successful recovery, all of which has given me literally, a new lease of life, as well all the clinical trials team who support Dr De Soysa.
“In hindsight none of my treatments may not have been as successful without them. I am forever indebted to the Shooting Star team and the NHS as a caring organisation and one that is dedicated to the successful treatment of its patients. A huge heartfelt thank you to you all.”
Find more information here about Research and Development at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.