Mike Peters, the lead singer of the rock band The Alarm, is in remission from an aggressive form of cancer after undergoing an experimental therapy as part of an NHS drug trial. Peters, who was diagnosed with Richter's syndrome, a fast-growing lymphoma, in April, received treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. The trial involved a combination of acalabrutinib, a targeted therapy, with standard chemotherapy.
Clinical Trial and Treatment
Peters participated in a phase II clinical trial that combined acalabrutinib with chemotherapy. Acalabrutinib is already approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but had not been previously tested in combination with chemotherapy for Richter's syndrome. The goal of the trial was to improve both the response rate and the duration of response in patients with this aggressive condition.
"Having complete remission thanks to this trial has been incredible," Peters stated. Following the successful treatment, doctors are now seeking a suitable donor for a stem cell transplant to prevent the leukemia from recurring.
Richter's Syndrome and Treatment Options
Richter's syndrome is a rare and aggressive transformation of CLL into a more aggressive lymphoma. According to Professor Adrian Bloor, consultant haematologist at The Christie, effective and well-tolerated treatments for this condition are limited. The trial's approach of combining acalabrutinib with chemotherapy aims to address this unmet need.
Professor Bloor noted, "It is hoped that the combination of acalabrutinib with chemotherapy will be effective in treating Richter's syndrome and stopping it coming back."
Acalabrutinib and Chemotherapy Combination
The combination therapy demonstrated rapid effectiveness in Peters' case. "The drugs worked so quickly, and the lump disappeared as fast as it appeared," Peters reported. This outcome allowed him to consider a stem cell transplant, which offers the potential for a complete cure.
Future Plans
With the cancer in remission, Peters is now focused on finding a suitable match for a stem cell transplant. "I now need to find the right match for the stem cell transplant and, if it’s successful, and with the incredible help of the team at the Christie, endeavour to find a way to be cured once and for all," he said.
The STELLAR trial, which provided acalabrutinib for the study, is still open for recruitment and aims to enroll 60 patients across the UK. AstraZeneca provided the drug for the trial.
