A MAN at a Rutherford Cancer Centre has become the first in the UK to receive a new treatment for prostate cancer.

It is the first multi-site oncology trial to be undertaken by the independent sector in the UK.

Peter Fletcher, 71, from Middlesbrough became the first person in the UK to receive this new drug.

Starting the trial this week, he said: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this new trial and play a role in the development of potential new treatments for prostate cancer.”

Read more: Middlesbrough puppy makes miracle recovery after swallowing toxin

Clinicians are hoping the new drug therapy could increase survival benefits for patients with an advanced form of prostate cancer, known as metastatic castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC). It is believed that about 20 per cent of patients with mCRPC possess the biomarker to be eligible for this new form of treatment, with current treatment options offering a limited duration of clinical and survival benefits.

The trial is part of a phase II study which will focus on determining the optimal dose of treatment for this potential new drug therapy. Phase one studies have been successfully carried out in countries outside of the UK.

Professor Karol Sikora, chief medical officer of Rutherford Health and consultant oncologist, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting our very first trial here at our centre in the North East. It is very important that the UK grows its capacity to carry out oncology trials so that more patients have access to the latest treatments and that our world leading oncologists are at the cutting edge of research. There is a global shortage of top-class oncology research sites with access to leading oncology experts and our partnership with Panthera and their expertise in running clinical trials will provide both.”

There are more than 75,000 oncology related trials underway across the world.

Over the course of 12 months or more, the man will receive treatment at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North East in Bedlington, Northumberland. A second patient is due to receive the treatment soon.

Stuart Young, CEO of Panthera, said: “This partnership with Rutherford is creating enormous interest with pharma and CROs involved in cancer trials from across the world."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054