A COLCHESTER dad who was “running out of options” to treat his blood cancer after years of declining health may have been given a second chance thanks to a new trial treatment.
Scott Davey, 47, was first rushed to Colchester Hospital when he was just 36 after suffering pain every time he ate - despite being very active and running every day.
After it was established Scott he had blocked portal vein, he had to stop intensive exercise while a series of medical investigations took place.
Then, in 2014, he found out he had the V617F genetic mutation, which creates abnormalities in his blood count, explaining his stomach pains and low energy.
Scott was given the choice of three different medications which all had “very concerning side effects”.
So, once he transferred to Colchester Hospital’s haematology department, he decided to continue treating the condition with “just Warfarin and regular check-ups”.
Scott’s health declined over the next few years, however, and his blood condition developed into polycythaemia - a form of blood cancer where the bone marrow creates too many red blood cells.
Considering taking up previously offered medication, Scott’s research took him to the Colchester Hospital's Mithridate research study which has already exceeded the number of participants required to join the study.
Scott, who lives in West Bergholt, said: “When I found out about the research study it sounded like a great option as I may be chosen for treatment not usually available.
“My wife Clare was worried about the side effects, but it’s given me another option and one I wouldn’t have had before."
Dr Khalid Saja, a consultant haematologist, is the clinical lead for haematology and the main investigator for the Mithridate study.
He said the trial compares the effectiveness between an existing treatment and a new treatment called Ruxolitinib.
He added: “This is a randomised trial, so participants can either receive one of the currently existing medications or receive Ruxolitinib.
"Scott is receiving Ruxolitinib and the study will look at which option will turn out to be best for patients.”
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