A North East lung cancer patient has hailed an experimental treatment as a "brilliant success" after it helped him regain his quality of life while spending less time in hospital.
The patient, who has chosen to remain anonymous, took part in a research trial at the University Hospital of North Tees, where he received a new approach to managing cancerous fluid build-up around the lungs.
He said: "It's been brilliant, just a brilliant success.
"It was so much better to come in as an outpatient instead of taking up a hospital bed.
"It was better for me and better for the hospital."
Instead of staying in hospital for an extended period, the patient was fitted with a small drainage device through a minimally invasive procedure.
Fluid was removed during outpatient appointments, and he later underwent a pleurodesis procedure, which uses medical talc to prevent fluid from returning.
He said: "I had the procedure two years ago and haven't needed any follow-up treatment for the fluid since.
"I still attend my regular oncology appointments, but the fluid has completely gone, so I can breathe properly and get on with life as normal."
The patient said he now does "at least an hour of exercise every day—walking, Pilates or weights" and is soon going on a six-week driving holiday around France with his wife.
He said: "I wouldn't have been able to do any of that without this treatment.
"You wouldn't know from seeing or speaking to me that I'm living with cancer.
"I've always tried to keep a positive outlook on life and this treatment has helped turn that positivity into reality.
"I can enjoy a normal family life despite having cancer.
"It's given me a new lease of life."
The research was led by Dr Kevin Conroy, a respiratory consultant, in partnership with colleagues from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
(Image: Supplied)
The research was led by Dr Kevin Conroy, a respiratory consultant, in partnership with colleagues from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Conroy said: "It’s really fantastic that this treatment option can make a difference to our patients.
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"We hope to build on this work with a larger study comparing this new approach to our current treatment options to give patients more time at home, more freedom from breathlessness and allow them to get on with their lives."
The patient’s experience highlights the potential benefits of research-led treatments in improving quality of life for those with advanced cancer.
It also shows how less invasive care can reduce hospital stays and help patients return more quickly to daily routines and long-term plans.