Drug Has Given Me Glimmer Of Hope

- 02 May 2009;The Sun

DESPERATE Jade Goody told last night how a new “miracle drug” had given her a flicker of hope in her cancer battle.

The Big Brother star, facing a grim fight for life after doctors said her disease had spread, is to start a two-month course of Hycamtin.

Jade, 27 — robbed of her hair by months of treatment — said: “It has given me a glimmer of hope. I’m hoping and praying that there is a chance.

“It’s the first good news I’ve had in a dreadful few weeks. Over the last three or four days my view has been ‘How long have I got?’

“Now I’m thinking, ‘Maybe there’s a chance’.”

The drug, given the green light in 2007 after successful trials, is still in its infancy and usually introduced only in cases of advanced cervical cancer.

It is likely to be administered via a drip while chemotherapy continues in a bid to keep Jade’s other tumours at bay.

Terrified

Prof Martin Gore, medical director at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, told the terrified mum-of-two he wanted to start Hycamtin after conventional chemo failed.

The Sun told yesterday how sombre medics informed tearful Jade, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer last August, that secondary growths had been found in her bowel, groin and liver.

She was warned that doctors were now treating her to prolong life rather than save it.

Jade will start the new treatment immediately with three weeks of Hycamtin and chemo, a week’s rest, then three more weeks’ treatment.

Scans will reveal if the tumours are responding.

The decision to use the drug followed a crisis meeting on how to treat Jade, who has begun writing a will.

Hycamtin’s side-effects can include bruising, sickness and bleeding.

But a family friend said: “We hope it’ll keep Jade with us for a long time to come.”

However, some experts underlined the severity of her condition.

William Soutte — honorary reader in gynaecological oncology at Imperial College, London — said: “There is no treatment available that is effective.

“The fact the cancer has gone to lymph nodes in her groin and her liver is a very serious sign.”

Jade, of Upshire, Essex, is hoping sons Bobby, five, and four-year-old Freddie, will visit her tomorrow.

Hycamtin, also called Topotecan, is seen as a last line of defence.

Based on a substance found in a Chinese tree, it weakens cancer cells by blocking an enzyme that can strengthen them.

Brave Jade last night thanked thousands of Sun readers who offered messages of support.

She said: “I want them to know how grateful I am and the wonderful difference it makes knowing people are behind me.”

Doctors have reported a surge in inquiries to helplines from people seeking information about cervical cancer.

They hope Jade’s plight will encourage more women to attend regular screenings.

'Case for negligence'

A TOP lawyer says Jade appears to have a case for medical negligence.

The star was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer three years after a series of collapses and episodes of bleeding.

Sarah Harman said: “If you are losing blood and collapsing, your cancer is established.

It’s strange it wasn’t diagnosed. Jade’s symptoms should have been investigated.”

If previous biopsies and smears show the same cancer fingerprint as the current one and her chances of survival fall below 50 per cent, she could be in line for a loss-of-earnings payout.

Ms Harman said: “I respect the fact she doesn’t want to sue the NHS, but she has two children to think about.”