Trust recruits highest number of UK patients to cancer trial | News

More patients at Royal Surrey have joined a study into a new drug for incurable breast cancer than at any other UK site offering the opportunity to be part of the trial.

The DESTINY-09 Study aims to identify the most effective use for the drug Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in fighting metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is when the disease cannot be removed from the breast or has spread to another part of the body.

Trastuzumab Deruxtecan was hailed as a breakthrough drug when it was approved by NICE at the end of 2022, and this current study is assessing whether it should be used as a first-line treatment for metastatic disease.

Sue Birch, 71, from Horley in Surrey has been taking Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for more than five years as a patient at Royal Surrey. She said:

“There is no doubt that being on the drug has prolonged my life. I live a very full, independent life – I’m very fortunate.

“I was nervous at first. I asked so many questions, and it took me a while to decide to take part, but I am so glad I agreed because it has changed my life. 

“It was a particularly difficult time for me, because my husband passed away shortly before I was due to start treatment.  The team at Royal Surrey were very reassuring and supportive at this time, and even now they are always at the other end of the phone if I have any questions or problems.

“It is a lovely feeling to know that I am involved in researching the future of cancer care. It is not just me benefitting, but also hopefully many other women who might need this treatment in the future. It has given me a real sense of fulfilment – of giving something back.” 

The study is being carried out at hospitals around the world, and Royal Surrey was the highest recruiting site in the UK, thanks largely to the Trust’s position as a leading regional cancer centre.

Consultant Oncologist Felicity Paterson, the study’s Principal Investigator at Royal Surrey, said: “Most breast cancer patients have heard of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan now, and are keen to get access to the treatment. Royal Surrey is well-known in the region as a Trust that offers early access to new cancer treatments, and patients are referred to us from across the South East.

“Even though we have exceeded our recruitment target, we will continue to invite patients onto the DESTINY-09 study, as we believe access to this treatment is highly beneficial to breast cancer patients.”