Patients whose lives were ruined after being ‘needlessly given cancer drug for years' sue NHS trust
Some people were prescribed temozolomide – which should normally be used for only six months – for more than a decade during treatment by the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
They say the overprescribing left them with side-effects including secondary cancers and crippling fatigue.
Earlier this year the Care Quality Commission was looking into at least 14 cases, but lawyers say more are emerging all the time.
An investigation by lawyers Brabners found that, over the past two decades, numerous patients with brain and spinal tumours under the care of Professor Ian Brown were routinely exposed to prolonged and in some cases 'unnecessary' use of the chemotherapy drug, which has severe side-effects including extreme fatigue, confusion, sickness and seizures.
The time periods temozolomide was given for allegedly ran contrary to medical and scientific guidelines. Standard NHS procedure is to use the drug over six months, and the drug manufacturer advises it be used for up to 12 months.
One man said he was prescribed it for nearly two years longer than necessary, suffering extreme fatigue and low mood as a result.
A woman in her twenties said she was misdiagnosed with cancer, receiving the drug needlessly for about eight years.
Some patients are now having treatment for secondary cancers allegedly linked to overuse of temozolomide, the lawyers claim.
Others claimed its prolonged use left them unable to pursue career ambitions and normal day-to-day activities because the chemotherapy was debilitating, with a long recovery time. Some reported loss of fertility or abnormal blood test results.
The legal team says data shows that the trust's spending on the drug of £3.6m from 2009 to 2024 is 10 times that of other NHS oncology departments.
The lawyers are now calling for an extended patient safety review and independent investigation, focusing in particular on treatment received by patients under Prof Brown dating back to 2006.
The trust has been conducting an internal patient safety review, covering 2017 to 2023, when Prof Brown retired.
A patient who identified only as Michael received an extra 22 cycles of temozolomide at the trust, despite his scans being stable.
Prof Brown was not present during consultations, and Michael said he was always seen by a clinical nurse specialist.
After suffering extreme fatigue and low mood, he learnt through news reports of mistreatment –not from the trust – that he should not have remained on treatment for so long, according to his lawyers.
Another patient, identified only as Becky, says she received at least 100 cycles of the drug unnecessarily after being misdiagnosed with a brain tumour.
Fiona Tinsley, head of medical negligence at Brabners, said: 'The extent of this scandal, and the physical and mental impact it has had on Prof Brown's patients cannot be underestimated.'
She added: 'We believe there are many more patients out there who haven't yet come forward and some who may have sadly passed away.
'While we welcome the ongoing investigations being undertaken by the General Medical Council and Royal College of Physicians, we believe a full independent inquiry is necessary – including an extension of the trust's own review back to 2006 – not only to ensure justice for victims, but that processes are put in place to better identify and prevent such failings happening again.'
A spokesperson for the trust told The Independent: 'We have comprehensively reviewed and spoken to all individuals who were receiving temozolomide (TMZ) treatment at the end of 2023 to ensure appropriate support and care plans are in place.
'A glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumour with fewer than two per cent of patients surviving longer than 10 years. This is an extremely complex condition and all modes of treatment – surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – carry the risk of complications and side-effects.
'National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidelines recognise that clinicians can exercise professional judgment appropriate to individual circumstances when offering treatment to patients.
'We have commissioned the Royal College of Physicians to conduct an independent review of a representative cohort of patients who received greater than 12 cycles of adjuvant TMZ between 2017 and 2023.
'As this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
It's understood that CQC inspectors have been in touch with the trust to understand the details, and seek assurances that patients are not at risk. The regulator will be reviewing more information to judge whether it needs to be involved.
Solve the daily Crossword
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'IT'S MY LIFE': Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez happy to be back, reveals lung cancer fight
When Blue Jays baseball fans across Canada last heard the familiar soundtrack of their summer from Buck Martinez, the team was far from the thing that they are today. It was May 28 when the beloved Jays broadcaster signed off following a 2-0 win in Texas improved their record to a modest 27-28. But if you think the journey of the ball team has been something, it's pales to what Martinez has endured, even though the baseball lifer would abhor the comparison. We'll let the ultimate storyteller take it from here, though. 'After the Texas game, I had an appointment in Houston to see my doctor and I had some tests and the results came back that I had cancer in my lung,' Martinez said in a phone interview on Thursday after settling into his Los Angeles hotel following a long day of travel to get him back to work. 'It was the same cancer I had, but it had gone to my lungs.' In the 10 weeks since, the Jays have emerged as one of the best teams in baseball. In the 10 weeks since, the 76-year-old Martinez has fought like hell to return to the game he loves so much. That welcome-back moment comes on Friday night at the famed Dodger Stadium when Martinez retakes his position alongside play-by-play man Dan Shulman for the first game of a three-game series against the World Series champions. Coast-to-coast, Canadians will stay up late to hear the man who has detailed the highs and lows of their baseball team for decades. It will be an emotional return for his Sportsnet colleagues and who have missed the heartbeat of the team along the way. And typically, Martinez doesn't want anyone to make a fuss: 'I don't want them to make a big deal, I mean they did that last time,' he says. 'Hey, I was away. I'm back. Let's get to work.' It was much more than being absent, of course. As he was intently following from afar the rise of the team that has been such a big part of his career, Martinez was battling through the uncertainty of his future — and more than just professionally. 'After the first session of chemo, I couldn't walk,' Martinez said. 'It flared up my knee so bad, I had to have a cane. I couldn't move my shoulder. But that's the last time I've had any (troubles.) Nothing that's going to keep me from working.' Though he's ready to return to work, Martinez isn't completely free of treatment. He'll call the Dodgers series this weekend then return to Toronto for a six-game homestand — and how great will that be. Then he returns to Houston for one final chemo session. 'I will be away again for another two weeks, so I don't want people to think I've had a relapse or anything,' he says. 'After that, I'll be back on the first of September for the rest of the rodeo.' In our conversation on Thursday, Martinez was candid about the emotional and physical challenges of his summer, one in which he missed a planned 50th anniversary cruise with his wife Arlene as he endured the anguish of his regular chemo treatments. As the Jays were doing their thing and he desperately wanted to return to tell the stories and live it with the fan base, he knew there were no guarantees. 'I didn't know if I was getting back,' Martinez admitted. 'That was a big thing. When I first found out about it I was pretty grumpy. But my wife has been phenomenal. She never let me feel sorry for myself. She always pointed to the children we saw in (the hospital) in Houston and said you don't have it so bad. She's a rock.' And then a shot of the familiar Martinez feistiness when we asked him when he got the green light to return to the booth. 'I don't know if I really got the clearance,' he said. 'I just told them I was going back. '(My energy) is good. I've been working out, riding the bike and doing the treadmill.' As it always does with him, the enthusiasm of a conversation with Martinez jumps noticeably when it shifts to baseball from his own travails. As you would expect, he's immensely impressed with that the Jays have done and it's clear that he hasn't missed much action. 'These guys have played their ass off,' Martinez said. 'And they play baseball. They catch it. They throw it. They run the bases better than they have in the past, and they're just playing for each other. And that's important. 'It reminds me of the '85 team and that was one of the best teams in the franchise history. 'It's going to be fun (returning to the booth), there's no question. I mean, how can you not enjoy it? My friends are all asking me 'You must really be excited to be back when the team is play as well as they are.' And yeah, it's great. It will be fun.' Sportsnet tennis debacle reveals the have and have nots in Rogers sports empire Buck Martinez ready to return to Sportsnet booth for Blue Jays' playoff push Besides his indebtedness to his wife, Martinez said the road back was made easier by unwavering support of his Sportsnet colleagues and management. 'Dan (Shulman), Joe (Siddall) and Caleb (Joseph) did a great job picking up the slack and going to bat for me,' Martinez said. 'And (senior Sportsnet executives Rob Corte and Dave Tredgett) have been incredibly supportive. They told me to take as much time as you need. The only thing that matters is getting healthy and recover.' Martinez took all the support to heart and with wife Arlene at his side. 'She has been a champion, man. She has pushed me and kept me in line and got me healthy,' he said. He's ready to return to his other true love. 'It's my life,' Martinez said when he asked what he was looking forward to the most. 'It's been my life since I was 18 years old. And you don't realize what a big part of your life it is until it's taken away for a second time. I've been very fortunate.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Grey's Anatomy' star diagnosed with Hashimoto's: What to know about the disease
"Grey's Anatomy" star Camilla Luddington recently revealed she has been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder. The British actress, known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson, shared the news on the "Call It What It Is" podcast in an episode aired on Wednesday, which she co-hosts with fellow "Grey's Anatomy" star Jessica Capshaw. 'Grey's Anatomy' star opens up about battle with postpartum anxiety, severe PMS disorder Luddington explained that, for some time, she had felt unusually tired and sluggish, often joking about being "slothy." However, she didn't consider that there might be a medical reason behind it. After finally completing routine blood work, Luddington received the surprising diagnosis. "My doctor was like, everything looks great except this one little thing," she recalled. The news hit her hard. "I remember hearing the words 'autoimmune disease' and thinking, 'What the f---?'" Luddington said, though she later learned that hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's disease is quite common. Capshaw asked how Luddington processed the news, and Luddington admitted that she had suspected something was wrong with her health. "You know what? I knew something was up," Luddington shared. "Because even when I was having my blood drawn, the doctor said to me, 'Is there any, you know, particular thing you're concerned about?' And I said, 'Look, I'm really f---ing tired all the time.'" Initially, Luddington thought her symptoms might be due to perimenopause, a phase before menopause. But after learning about her autoimmune diagnosis, she said, "When they said it's really common, I was like, 'well, that sucks, but okay.'" Luddington has been part of the "Grey's Anatomy" cast since 2012. In addition to her role on the ABC drama, she has starred as Kate in "William & Kate: The Movie" and appeared on shows like "Californication" and "True Blood." What to know about Hashimoto's disease Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or, in rare cases, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, becomes damaged in people with Hashimoto's, NIDDK states on its website. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid, leading to the accumulation of white blood cells which destroy thyroid's cells that produce hormones. 'Grey's Anatomy' renewed for 22nd season at ABC This condition is also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis, according to NIDDK. While the exact number of people affected in the U.S. is unknown, Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which impacts about 5% of Americans. NIDDK notes that early on, Hashimoto's may not show symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint pain, constipation, dry skin, irregular periods and a slowed heart rate. It often leads to hypothyroidism, but in its early stages, it can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid may also enlarge, creating a swollen neck or goiter, which can shrink over time. According to NIDDK, the exact cause of Hashimoto's is unknown, but it is often linked to a family history of thyroid disease. Several factors, including genes, viruses like hepatitis C, certain medications, and exposure to toxins such as nuclear radiation, can contribute to its development. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
The shocking side effects of lash serums from eye colour change to undereye circles – and alternatives to try
Eyelash and brow serums can really be hit and miss, so when you find one that works for you, you want to cling on for dear life. But what if, as it lengthens your lashes, it causes irritation and changes to your eye area? Is it worth it? There has been chatter online for a while about the side effects of prostaglandin, a common ingredient found in many really popular lash and brow serums, but the conversations around it have bubbled up once more thanks to something that Molly Mae brought up in a recent vlog. Having discovered a lash serum that has really helped lengthen and strengthen her lashes, lately she had noticed that it's potentially started to irritate her eyes. 'I have a large dilemma at the minute,' she starts, 'and talking about it is going to make it real.' She goes on to say that in her previous video, she mentioned that she has some irritation around her eyes and that they looked 'really sore', 'really irritated and dark'. Following this, she received comments from viewers stating that their lash serums had caused the same effect on their eyes. 'I've been using these serums for about eight months now,' she notes and describes them as the 'most results-driven products' she has ever used. Despite this, she started to notice irritation weeks back and, in trying to work out and connect the dots, has noted that the serums she uses for her lashes and brows contain prostaglandins, which have had some backlash because of known side effects of continued use. What is prostaglandin? Prostaglandin is an ingredient often used in hair growth supplements that, when applied topically, stimulates hair follicles to trigger growth. In the UK, it can be found readily in over-the-counter products, but in other countries, it can be prescription only, because of its potency. But just because it's potent, it doesn't make products dangerous. 'Prostaglandin-based lash serums do work,' says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, skin doctor and medical educator, 'and that's because they mimic hormone-like substances naturally found in the body. They bind to receptors at the lash follicle, extend the growth phase, and increase the number of lashes that grow. That's why results can be so dramatic.' I love a prostaglandin-based serum – Revitalash – and have seen epic results thanks to its supercharged formula. I have never had any irritation from using it, and my hereditary dark circles were there way before I started using lash serums. What I will say, though, is that when I finish a tube of any brow or lash serum, I always break for at least a few months before using another, as I feel like it gives my lashes time to reset and just exist at a gorgeous fluttery length before I ply them with more growth juice. What are the side effects of prostaglandin? Like with any active ingredients in beauty, not everyone is going to experience adverse reactions to prostaglandin, but some side effects can be 'redness, pigmentation around the eye, or even darkening of the iris,' says Dr Fabusiwa. I have never experienced any of these side effects, but it's always good to be informed of potential reactions so you can note if something is potentially developing. Clare, our senior ecomm beauty writer, has tested many lash serums for Cosmo and has never had any adverse reactions either. Are there prostaglandin-free lash serums? Yes, there are prostaglandin-free lash serums on the market if you want to avoid the ingredient. The alternative ingredient to prostaglandin to stimulate growth, is a Peptide Lash Growth Serum £33.60 at Peptides work in a similar way but are gentler and often found in more natural serums. Because of their gentle nature, the results are slower to come and less dramatic, but great to have the option there. You Might Also Like A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale
