In 2012 Tim, a retired headteacher and father of two from Colchester, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After a number of treatments Tim received the news that his cancer had stopped responding to standard therapies. That’s when he was referred to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, bringing hope of more treatment options. Now, as he continues his third clinical trial, Tim shares his personal experience.

My diagnosis & initial treatment

I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 and subsequent scans showed it had spread to the semens vesicular which meant that surgery was not an option for me. I started on 3 monthly hormone implants, which still continue today in order to cut out the testosterone in my body, which the cancer feeds off.

Since 2012 I have had a number of different treatments including radiotherapy and hormone tablets. In 2018 the hormone treatment stopped working and my oncologist in Colchester referred me to the Royal Marsden Hospital. I had several tests and scans but was finally informed that there were no suitable drug trials available for me at that time. They recommended that I should have a course of chemotherapy back at Colchester Hospital.

Early in 2021 I had more scans to see how the disease was progressing (now in the lymph nodes in my stomach). It was during the covid pandemic and my oncologist, who I had never met, told me that he was recommending a different chemotherapy drug, and added that I had months not years to live. This put me at an all-time low, but he made me determined to prove him wrong. I had eight doses of a different chemotherapy drug. This time I had no side effects but scans showed no change in the size of the tumours.

Finding new hope at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK

At the beginning of 2022 my life changed. My oncologist told me that he was referring me to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Shortly after I received a phone call from the Institute and I was invited in for tests which led initially to a clinical trial of a brand new cancer vaccine. I had three vaccinations with no side effects.

I still had the cancer though and the next proposal was for me to have a new trial of an immunotherapy infusion every week, which was aimed at enabling the white blood cells to be rounded up and to attack the tumours in my body. This treatment included regular scans and tests to check the effectiveness of the drug. Initially I had a positive response to this treatment, however, unfortunately my cancer stopped responding to this treatment too.

At this point I was feeling very low, I went back to my local hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, but I had lost my appetite, and the treatment was making me feel very sick.

I had been invited to attend an event at The House of Commons to help raise awareness about clinical trials, and although I was feeling unwell, I was determined to go and show my support. And I’m so glad I did.

While at the event I saw Dr Fontana, from the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, and she asked how I was. I explained how unwell I was feeling, but that I was still hopeful another trial would open up for me. Sure, enough there was one and within a couple of weeks I’d had all the necessary tests and was starting a new drug, which I’m still taking today.

When I started this clinical trial my PSA score was 177, which is incredibly high, but for the past few months it’s been between 10 and 13 and I’m feeling much more optimistic about life. I joke that my name’s in the word op’TIM’istic.

I am eternally grateful to the Sarah Cannon Institute for giving me another chance of a new trial drug. I always look forward to my monthly visits, it’s like visiting old friends and I always receive a warm welcome. The treatment I receive is second to none, from the moment I enter the building I get a warm welcome from Tina, to all the nursing staff who are very efficient and supportive and finally to the doctors who regularly keep me updated with my progress. They are a fantastic team. It is exemplary and I consider myself to be incredibly lucky to be receiving treatment here.

Advocating for clinical trials

When I had the chance to join a clinical trial I didn’t think twice. I want the chance to continue to enjoy my life for as long as possible and if that means I can help move treatment forward for other cancer patients along the way, then I am really happy with that. I often meet people who have cancer of one form or another and tell them my story so they can ask to be potentially referred for a clinical trial too.

Learn more about clinical trials at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute