A mum and son who have both been diagnosed with the same type of blood cancer are taking part in research to evaluate the impact of new treatment.
Pat Sawyer, 85, and Mark Sawyer, 62, were both diagnosed with blood cancer through routine blood tests before surgery. Pat for an operation to her hand, Mark for a gallbladder operation.
The pair are now both part of the Mithridate research trial at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, one of the trusts that is part of the study.
Mark (left) with Pat and Reg Sawyer, Pat’s husband and Mark’s dad
Pat, a grandmother of five from Kirby-Le-Soken, said: “It’s a coincidence Mark and I have the same cancer. Apparently it’s not hereditary, but it feels strange we both have the same type!
“My doctor said I could start on the trial, which I was quite happy to do it. It might help me and help my son or other patients in the future.”
The Mithridate trial is looking at the effectiveness of different types of treatment.
As part of the trial Pat is taking a treatment called Ruxolitinib. Mark is taking Hydroxycarbamide.
Pat and Mark
Mark, who has three grown-up children and four grandchildren, said: “My understanding of the cancer is that my blood is too thick and wasn’t pumping round my body as it should. Now I look back I did have cold hands and feet, which was due to circulation. I was also feeling quite tired.
“When I was told I could join the study I thought why not. If it gives some insight into medicines that can help that’s great. I’m pleased I can be involved in helping.”
As part of the study both Pat and Mark are monitored regularly – Mark at Colchester Hospital and Pat at Clacton Hospital.
Mark, who lives in Frinton-on-Sea and runs his own maintenance business, added: “Being part of the research means I’m being monitored frequently which is good. I cannot fault the service and treatment I’ve had.”
As Pat is nearer to Clacton Hospital she travels there to see her consultant and the principal investigator of the Mithridate study Dr Khalid Saja.
Dr Khalid Saja, a consultant haematologist and clinical lead for Haematology, said: “This trial is comparing the effectiveness between two treatments for patients diagnosed with polycythaemia vera – an existing treatment, or what we call standard-of-care, and a new treatment called Ruxolitinib.
“This is a randomised trial, so participants can either receive one of the currently existing medications or receive Ruxolitinib. Then the study will review which medicine is best for patients.”
Mark and Pat have given their consent to share their story about their involvement with the study.
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