A former Manchester United football scout, Tom Critchley, has been given the all-clear from cancer after taking part in a groundbreaking clinical trial. The 76-year-old grandfather-of-three was diagnosed with early stage rectal cancer last April and was offered the chance to join the Aphrodite trial at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. The trial aimed to determine if a higher dose of radiotherapy could effectively treat rectal cancer without the need for surgery. Tom underwent 28 sessions of radiotherapy and took a chemotherapy tablet twice a day. By February this year, he was given the all-clear and his scans continue to show no signs of cancer.
In an interview, Tom urged other cancer patients to consider clinical trials, emphasizing that the trial not only helped him but could also benefit others. He shared that the treatment was intense and came with some side-effects, but he was determined to see it through. Tom’s positive outcome has been attributed to the modern radiotherapy techniques used in the trial, which enabled a higher dose to be delivered to the tumor while reducing the amount of normal tissue affected.
Dr. Claire Arthur, a consultant oncologist at the Christie, explained that the trial aimed to discover if a higher dose of radiotherapy could lead to a better response, avoid surgery, and improve the quality of life for the patient. Tom’s response to the treatment has been remarkable, with no significant long-term side effects. The trial, led by Professor Simon Gollins and Dr. Ane Appelt, is still recruiting patients and aims to develop better and kinder treatments for rectal cancer patients.
Tom’s story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. His message to cancer patients is clear: don’t be afraid to take a chance on a clinical trial, as the answer to their problem could lie within it. His experience highlights the importance of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatments and finding better solutions for future patients.