Blood cancer research making a difference in Cornwall

This September, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is proud to share the uplifting story of 66-year-old Alan Gooden. Alan, a recently retired building services design engineer from Mylor Bridge, is grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in a pioneering research trial. He feels that his experience in research, has not only allowed him to be more closely monitored but could also help shape future treatments for others.

After a few months of feeling unwell, Alan was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular lymphoma in February 2024. The disease is a type of blood cancer that, while not curable, is treatable. Shortly after diagnosis, Alan was invited to take part in a research trial. It was investigating whether PET scans can help tailor treatment more effectively for patients with follicular lymphoma. It also explores whether some patients can safely avoid standard maintenance treatments and whether adding another drug could improve outcomes for others. Alan is one of 16 patients at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust taking part in this important research.

“When I was offered the opportunity to take part in a research trial,” Alan recalls. “There was no hesitation in accepting the offer. Why would one not do it? The opportunity to help yourself and others in the future was a ‘no brainer’ to me.”

Within two weeks of diagnosis, Alan began treatment at the Headland Unit,  undergoing six cycles of therapy. He describes the staff in the unit as fantastic and remarked on being shown great care and empathy by the team. Towards the end of his treatment, Alan became a patient of Research Doctor Dr Cristina Thiebaud. “What a wonderful lady! She explained everything in plain, easy words—no jargon. She made me feel at ease with my cancer. She is somebody every cancer patient needs.”

Originally from London Alan has recently retired. He lives in Mylor Bridge with his wife Jennifer, and two sons, Toby and Andrew. He has always been a keen sportsman with a passion, that runs through his family, for motorsport.

Alan stated “I would urge anybody who is offered a research opportunity to embrace it, regardless of the illness.”