Fareham man takes part in pioneering clinical trial for brain cancer

Hugh Aggleton, from Fareham, is taking part in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery’s immunotherapy clinical trial on brain tumours, led by consultant medical oncologist, Dr Paul Mulholland.

In 2019 Hugh, 36, was found to have glioblastoma, a malignant and very aggressive brain tumour.

Around 2,200 cases are diagnosed each year in England, with an average survival time of 15 months.

Hugh said: ‘I remember very clearly that we were all in tears and hugging each other when we realised the impact of this diagnosis and the prognosis.

‘I’m incredibly thankful to colleagues who drove me to and from work, as I couldn’t drive following the seizures and brain surgery.

‘I found work a helpful distraction and felt well enough to do my job. My employers have been very understanding and supportive.’

Surgery was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, before Hugh’s oncologist recommended Dr Mulholland’s trial.

The trial is testing whether ipilimumab – given to people with melanoma skin cancer – can help people with glioblastoma.

Last year, the civil servant started his immunotherapy treatment at University College Hospital in London, receiving ipilimumab as well as temozolomide chemotherapy.

The hospital trust is running the trial, with funding from The National Brain Appeal.

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In September, Hugh had his final round of treatment, and is now being monitored by Dr Mulholland.

‘I remember thinking I’ve got nothing to lose here,’ said Hugh.

‘The news has been good so far. Long may it continue.’

Hugh is now working on getting his life back to normal – albeit in the middle of a pandemic.

He is enjoying running and cycling and is looking forward to getting back to fell running after the current lockdown.

Dr Mulholland said: ‘I am so grateful to everyone who has donated and those continuing to fundraise, so that patients like Hugh can take part.

‘I don’t want patients to miss out on the opportunity.

‘We are aiming to bring together the newest drugs from the pharmaceutical industry together with the latest developments in scientific research to try to find a cure for this devastating disease.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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