Clinical trial could make incurable lung cancer treatable through the NHS

A groundbreaking medical trial could soon make incurable lung cancer treatable through the NHS, according to experts.

Doctors at The Christie, a renowned cancer specialist hospital in Manchester, are using advanced radiotherapy technology to more accurately target one of the deadliest forms of the disease.

This marks the first time in two decades that radiotherapy’s benefits for late-stage lung cancer patients are being studied.

The trial, called the Thoracic Umbrella Radiotherapy Study (TOURIST), is the first to explore the use of innovative radiotherapy tools, such as volumetric modulated arc therapy.

Previously, this technique was used only for treating early-stage cancers that hadn’t spread. This new approach allows for the delivery of multiple beams of radiation at varying strengths directly to the tumour, killing more cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

By combining this advanced technology with immunotherapy or chemotherapy, experts hope it could revolutionise lung cancer treatment.

Dr. David Woolf, a consultant oncologist at The Christie and joint lead investigator of the study, believes the trial could transform global practices for treating advanced lung cancer. While the primary aim is to extend and improve patients’ quality of life, Dr. Woolf also anticipates a potential improvement in “cure rates.”

Currently, around 85% of lung cancer cases are classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with almost half diagnosed at stage four, when the disease has spread and is deemed incurable.

This equates to roughly 20,000 people annually facing limited treatment options for this aggressive cancer. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, responsible for around 21% of yearly cancer-related fatalities.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Dr. Woolf emphasised the importance of the trial, stating, “This is the first radiotherapy trial for stage four NSCLC patients in 20 years, so it’s a significant development.

Technological advances now allow us to provide additional benefits alongside standard treatments.” He added, “Our goal is to generate enough evidence to change clinical practice globally, potentially benefiting up to a million people worldwide each year.”

The trial aims to deliver targeted thoracic radiotherapy alongside new drug treatments, building upon the current standard of care. The hypothesis is that earlier, more precise radiotherapy will help shrink tumours and kill cancer cells, enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs, which stimulate the immune system to attack the tumour.

Radiotherapy will be offered early in a patient’s treatment, often before symptoms develop. Typical symptoms of advanced lung cancer include coughing, breathlessness, and pain.

Dr. Woolf explained:

“By providing radiotherapy earlier, we hope to delay or prevent these symptoms. Reducing tumour size can alleviate fatigue, improve well-being, and ultimately increase survival rates by making drug therapies more effective.”

The trial, already underway, seeks to recruit around 1,000 participants through the NHS. Anyone recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer can inquire with their cancer consultant about joining.

Professor Matthew Hatton, honorary oncology professor at the University of Sheffield and co-lead investigator for the TOURIST trial, stated: “Using modern radiotherapy techniques, we aim to improve the quality of life, reduce disease symptoms, and extend life expectancy for these patients.”

Further reading

Lung cancer claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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