Research study scan detects grandfather’s cancer

A GRANDFATHER who was successfully treated for kidney cancer that was detected during a research trial has urged others to sign up for studies.

Oxfordshire’s Jeff Brown underwent surgery after his cancer was picked up during an MRI scan for a diabetes trial he volunteered for in 2020. The 75-year-old Middle Barton resident has been clear of the disease since.

The former primary school deputy headmaster said: “I recommend volunteering for research as long as it is clearly explained what is going to happen and what they are looking for. 

“You are helping with scientific research and quite possibly assist further with medical advances.” 

Jeff - married to Karen for 49 years - was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007 and was asked by a doctor at his annual review in 2020 if he’d like to participate in the MODIFY study.

The study aimed to explore whether MRI scans can aid in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of complications for type 2 diabetes, to identify those who would benefit from treatments tailored to individual patients.

Grandfather-of-eight Jeff said: “In passing the doctor suggested that I might like to join a trial for diabetes for old folk like me.

“As it did not involve blood letting or invasive tubing I agreed. I have never done anything like this before but it seemed like a good idea.”

After undergoing an MRI scan in November 2020 as part of the trial, Jeff underwent two CT scans which confirmed his cancer.  He underwent surgery to remove his left kidney in April 2021. 

Jeff said: “I think I was just incredibly lucky. I was very fortunate as I had no symptoms whatsoever.

“I said ‘if I don’t have it done, I will die’. The surgeon used a robot to cut the organ out which left me with five bullet hole sized scars in my abdomen. I looked like John Wayne. I was given pain killers and a catheter so I walked like John Wayne!”

He said of the study team: “They were so lovely, the nurse was really nice, everybody was really helpful, kind and grateful.”

Dr Gayathiry Thanabalasingham, who led the study in Oxford, said: “Generally people who give up their time to participate in research studies do not personally benefit apart from knowing that they have actively contributed to advancing medical knowledge. 

“In this particular case, Mr Brown was diagnosed with cancer by taking part in the MODIFY research study, in which all participants had an MRI scan. We know that early diagnosis of cancer is associated with better outcomes. I am delighted to hear that Mr Brown is well.”

The trial was co-funded by Oxford biotechnology company Perspectum, who said: “It is a relief to our study team that the participant recovered from this potentially serious finding. This is an apt illustration of the power of non-invasive imaging. Early diagnosis of complications before symptoms develop can prevent serious health outcomes”. 

The MODIFY study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04114682) is funded by Innovate UK and Perspectum and recruited participants in Oxford, Liverpool and London.

Participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS, public health and social care and save lives.

The NHS, public health and social care supports research by giving patients opportunities to take part in trials. Healthy people can also take part so results can be compared to those with a medical condition.

Patients are also encouraged to ask their doctor or health professional about research opportunities and view trials seeking volunteers at bepartofresearch.uk.