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Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Mum got on plane 'in wrong decision' after terrifying call from doctor
Michelle Gidion, 56, was on her way to the French Alps with her husband Simon and their four sons when she received the terrifying news A mother has expressed regret over her decision to proceed with a family holiday after being diagnosed with cancer, believing it could have altered her life's path. Michelle Gidion, along with her husband Simon and their four sons, aged 16 to 21, were set to enjoy their first joint vacation in four years in the French Alps. While at the airport, Michelle received a life-changing phone call from a haematologist informing her that a recent blood test indicated she had leukaemia. The specialist advised her not to board the plane due to dangerously low platelet levels in her blood, warning that an injury could lead to fatal bleeding. Despite the urgency of the situation, the family chose to go ahead with their trip, as reported by Manchester Evening News, not wanting to disrupt the eagerly awaited holiday. "I didn't know anyone who had had leukaemia and had no idea how dangerous it was to travel," Michelle recounted. "I'd been walking up hills only days before and wasn't feeling unwell. I didn't want to spoil things for my sons, but as it turned out it was the wrong call to make." The stress of the situation took its toll immediately upon their arrival in France, causing Michelle to fall ill, which led to the family cutting their trip short and returning home within 24 hours. Upon landing, Michelle was rushed from the airport to A&E and then spent the next 48 hours there before being transferred directly to The Christie cancer hospital, reports the Mirror. She spent five days in hospital where a bone biopsy confirmed she had an aggressive form of blood cancer known as AML (acute myeloid leukaemia), which affects the blood and bone marrow. Michelle immediately began chemotherapy, to which she responded well and went into remission, but sadly, the cancer returned after just five months. She was advised to have a stem cell transplant to cure her cancer, and fortunately, a perfect match was found on the international register. She underwent the transplant in March 2024, but suffered a reaction and endured a challenging five-week stay at The Christie. At one point, she had to leave her isolation room for laser eye surgery at Manchester Eye Hospital to correct vision problems caused by the treatment. Despite enduring the tough transplant procedure and being given an 80 per cent chance of success due to her age and fitness level, a biopsy in May 2024 revealed the devastating news that the procedure had failed. Michelle was weak, lacking energy and could barely walk. Her options were dwindling, but she refused to give up. In July 2024, the mother of four was offered the opportunity to participate in research at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at The Christie in Manchester. Now 56 and two years post-diagnosis, Michelle is in full remission with no signs of cancer, thanks to a groundbreaking experimental drug. Michelle enrolled in an international clinical trial named CAMELOT-1. This early phase study focuses on a new type of targeted cancer drug called bleximenib, a menin inhibitor. Researchers have discovered that a protein known as menin plays a crucial role in aiding the survival and growth of leukaemia cells in certain types of the disease. Menin inhibitors are drugs that block this protein, making it more difficult for the leukaemia cells to continue multiplying. Without the support of menin, these cancerous cells weaken and eventually die, allowing the body to start producing healthy blood cells once again. Michelle began taking two tablets of the trial drug every morning and evening, and started attending The Christie every four weeks for monitoring. In November of last year, and again in February of this year, Michelle received a DLI (donor lymphocyte infusion) from the same stem cell donor to help strengthen her new immune system from the bone marrow transplant. Just last month, she was informed that the drug has put her into complete molecular remission, meaning there are currently no detectable signs of cancer in her blood or bone marrow. Michelle expressed: "The trial feels like there's light at the end of a very long dark tunnel. The drug, together with the DLIs, has got me to a place where I feel a lot better and gradually I'm getting my energy levels back. "Research is vital. When offered the trial, I didn't hesitate – I just want to be alive, so I grabbed it with both hands. "It's the only thing that's given us hope in the last two years. My four sons have all signed up for the stem cell register now, so hopefully they can help someone in the future, and Jenson has recently raised money for blood cancer research. The whole experience has been life-changing for our family." Dr Emma Searle, a consultant haematologist leading the trial at The Christie and overseeing Michelle's care, stated: "With early phase trials where the drug has never been tested on patients before, we are looking at how well participants tolerate the treatment and what dose is safe. "We are finding some side effects, which are usually manageable, but most importantly 41 per cent of patients have so far responded which is very promising. We are very pleased with Michelle's progress on the trial. "She has tolerated the drug well with minimal side effects, feels well and can enjoy life. This could potentially be a new therapy for patients with AML who have specific gene mutations and have relapsed after initial treatment, or may in the future be added to standard treatment for newly diagnosed patients to improve outcomes." The CAMELOT-1 study is now looking for participants, aiming to enlist 150 individuals globally. Patients keen on participating in clinical trials should have a conversation about this option with their consultant or GP. It's important to note that not everyone will meet the criteria for a particular trial. While some patients may see success from clinical trials, the results can differ widely. You can find further details on how to get involved in clinical trials here.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum 'made wrong decision' and got on plane after horrifying call from doctor
Michelle Gidion and her family were about to board a flight to the French Alps when a consultant called to tell her she'd been diagnosed with leukaemia and should not fly A mother says her decision to go on holiday after receiving news of her cancer diagnosis was the wrong call - and could have changed the course of her life. Michelle Gidion, her husband Simon, and their four sons - aged between 16 and 21 - were heading off to the French Alps for their first holiday together in four years. While at the airport, Michelle received a phone call from a haematologist, who told her a blood test she'd undergone showed she had leukaemia. The consultant warned her against boarding the plane because the platelets in her blood were at critically low levels. They said she could have bled to death had she been injured in an accident. With very little time to decide the best course of action, the family decided to fly anyway - not wanting to ruin the long-anticipated trip, reports Manchester Evening News. 'I didn't know anyone who had had leukaemia and had no idea how dangerous it was to travel,' Michelle said. 'I'd been walking up hills only days before and wasn't feeling unwell. I didn't want to spoil things for my sons, but as it turned out it was the wrong call to make.' The situation was so stressful that Michelle became ill as soon as they arrived in France and the family returned home 24 hours later. Michelle was taken directly to her local A&E from the plane where she spent 48 hours before transferred straight to The Christie cancer hospital. She stayed for five days and had a bone biopsy which confirmed she had an aggressive type of blood cancer called AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Michelle went straight onto a course of chemotherapy which she responded well to and went into remission, but after only five months the cancer returned. Michelle was recommended for a stem cell transplant to cure her of cancer, and luckily a perfect match was found with a stem cell donor from the international register. She had the transplant in March 2024 but unfortunately had a reaction and went through a tough five-week-long stay at The Christie. At one point she had to leave her isolation room and be taken to Manchester Eye Hospital to have laser eye surgery on her right eye to correct her vision that had been affected by the treatment. Despite going through the gruelling transplant procedure and being given an 80 per cent chance of it being successful due to her age and level of fitness, biopsy results in May 2024 led to the devastating discovery that the procedure hadn't worked. Michelle was frail. She had no energy. She could barely walk. Her options were running out. But she refused to give in. In July 2024, the mum-of-four was offered the chance to participate in research at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at The Christie in Manchester. Now aged 56, two years on from her diagnosis, Michelle is in complete remission. She has no sign of cancer thanks to the cutting-edge new experimental drug. Michelle signed up to an international clinical trial called CAMELOT-1. It is an early phase study for a new type of targeted cancer drug called bleximenib, which is a menin inhibitor. Scientists have found that a protein called menin plays a key role in helping leukaemia cells survive and grow in certain types of leukaemia. Menin inhibitors are drugs that block this protein, making it harder for the leukaemia cells to keep multiplying. Without menin's support, these cancerous cells become weaker and eventually die, allowing the body to start making healthy blood cells again. Michelle started taking two tablets of the trial drug every morning and two in the evening, and began going to The Christie every four weeks for monitoring. In November last year, and again in February this year, Michelle had a DLI (donor lymphocyte infusion) from the same stem cell donor to help boost her new immune system from the bone marrow transplant. Last month she was told the drug has got her into complete molecular remission which means there are currently no detectable signs of cancer in her blood or bone marrow. Michelle explained: 'The trial feels like there's light at the end of a very long dark tunnel. The drug, together with the DLIs, has got me to a place where I feel a lot better and gradually I'm getting my energy levels back. 'Research is so important. When offered the trial there was no way I wasn't going to say yes to it. I just want to be alive, so I grabbed it with both hands. 'It's the only thing that's given us hope in the last two years. My four sons have all signed up for the stem cell register now, so hopefully they can help someone in the future, and Jenson has recently raised money for blood cancer research. The whole experience has been life-changing for our family.' Dr Emma Searle, a consultant haematologist who leads the trial at The Christie and is in charge of Michelle's care, said: 'With early phase trials where the drug has never been tested on patients before, we are looking at how well participants tolerate the treatment and what dose is safe. 'We are finding some side effects, which are usually manageable, but most importantly 41 per cent of patients have so far responded which is very promising. We are very pleased with Michelle's progress on the trial. 'She has tolerated the drug well with minimal side effects, feels well and can enjoy life. This could potentially be a new therapy for patients with AML who have specific gene mutations and have relapsed after initial treatment, or may in the future be added to standard treatment for newly diagnosed patients to improve outcomes.' The CAMELOT-1 study is open for recruitment with an aim to recruit 150 participants worldwide. Any patients interested in taking part in clinical trials should discuss this option with their consultant or GP. Not all patients will fit the criteria for a specific trial. While clinical trials can be successful for some patients, outcomes can vary from case to case. More information about taking part in clinical trials can be found here.
STV News
29-04-2025
- Health
- STV News
World-first clinical trial launched in the UK for a fridge-free vaccine
A world-first clinical trial has been launched in the UK for a fridge-free vaccine, which could greatly increase access to jabs. The Stablepharma tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (SPVX02) is completely stable at room temperature and the firm behind it says up to 60 other vaccines may benefit from the advanced technology. The first-in-human trial of the vaccine is taking place at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton clinical research facility at University Hospital Southampton. One of the biggest barriers to people getting vaccines in some parts of the world is the 'cold chain' required to keep vaccines cold from manufacture to the point they are injected. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to half of vaccines are wasted globally every year – largely because of a lack of temperature control and the logistics needed to support an unbroken cold-chain. UK-based biotech company Stablepharma has shown it can converts existing approved vaccines to fridge-free versions that can be stored for long periods of time at room temperature. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: 'For years, vaccines have been held back by the need to be stored in a fridge – causing endless amounts of wastage and making it difficult to deliver them to remote communities. 'But thanks to this Government's vision and our investment through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, all that could be about to change. 'We are leading the charge by pushing through the world's first trial for fridge-free vaccines. 'This could be a real game changer and lifesaver globally – as it unlocks new ways for poorer nations to deliver vaccines to their patients, where they're often needed the most. 'Groundbreaking science is amongst the things that Britain does best, and this innovation reaffirms our position as a world leader in vaccine development and research, boosting growth and economic security – the cornerstone of our Plan for Change.' The clinical trial is being led by Professor Saul Faust from the University of Southampton and Stablepharma chief development officer, Dr Karen O'Hanlon. Prof Faust said: 'It is fantastic to see cutting-edge UK science reach the milestone of a first clinical trial and to be able to give the opportunity for people living on the south coast to take part. 'This research will be an important step toward exploring whether this innovation could eradicate vaccine wastage and move away from the need for the cold-chain.' The trial is expected to complete this summer, with results published by the end of the year. Stablepharma hopes the new vaccine will be in use globally by 2027. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Work to launch 'fridge-free' vaccine under way in Southampton
A vaccine that does not need to be kept in a fridge or frozen has entered its first clinical Stablepharma tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (SPVX02) is completely stable at room temperature and is ready to be trialled through a government-backed first in-human trial is being held at the National Institute for Health and Care Research's (NIHR) base at University Hospital Southampton this World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about half of all vaccines are wasted around the world, in part because of the "cold chain" needed for them. Stablepharma, a UK-based company, has shown it can convert existing approved vaccines to fridge-free versions that can be stored at room temperate."It is fantastic to see cutting-edge UK science reach the milestone of a first clinical trial and to be able to give the opportunity for people living on the South Coast to take part," Prof Saul Faust, director of the NIHR's Southampton Clinical Research Facility, said."This research will be an important step toward exploring whether this innovation could eradicate vaccine wastage and move away from the need for the cold chain." Wes Streeting, the health and social care secretary, said the plan could be a "real game changer and lifesaver globally".Stablepharma hopes the vaccine will be in use globally by Jonathan Van-Tam, the former deputy chief medical officer for England and a member of Stablepharma's advisory board, said the vaccine could be "revolutionary for the entire vaccine industry"."Fridge-free vaccines could, in the future, play a major role in delivering the WHO's ambitions for universal health coverage," he added. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
ITV News
29-04-2025
- Health
- ITV News
World-first clinical trial launched in Southampton for a fridge-free vaccine
A world-first clinical trial has been launched in the UK for a fridge-free vaccine, which could greatly increase access to jabs. The Stablepharma tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (SPVX02) is completely stable at room temperature and the firm behind it says up to 60 other vaccines may benefit from the advanced technology. The first-in-human trial of the vaccine is taking place at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton clinical research facility at University Hospital Southampton. One of the biggest barriers to people getting vaccines in some parts of the world is the 'cold chain' required to keep vaccines cold from manufacture to the point they are injected. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to half of vaccines are wasted globally every year – largely because of a lack of temperature control and the logistics needed to support an unbroken cold-chain. UK-based biotech company Stablepharma has shown it can convert existing approved vaccines to fridge-free versions that can be stored for long periods of time at room temperature. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: 'For years, vaccines have been held back by the need to be stored in a fridge – causing endless amounts of wastage and making it difficult to deliver them to remote communities. 'But thanks to this Government's vision and our investment through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, all that could be about to change. 'We are leading the charge by pushing through the world's first trial for fridge-free vaccines. 'This could be a real game changer and lifesaver globally – as it unlocks new ways for poorer nations to deliver vaccines to their patients, where they're often needed the most. 'Groundbreaking science is amongst the things that Britain does best, and this innovation reaffirms our position as a world leader in vaccine development and research, boosting growth and economic security – the cornerstone of our Plan for Change.' The clinical trial is being led by Professor Saul Faust from the University of Southampton and Stablepharma chief development officer, Dr Karen O'Hanlon. Prof Faust said: 'It is fantastic to see cutting-edge UK science reach the milestone of a first clinical trial and to be able to give the opportunity for people living on the south coast to take part. 'This research will be an important step toward exploring whether this innovation could eradicate vaccine wastage and move away from the need for the cold-chain.' The trial is expected to complete this summer, with results published by the end of the year. Stablepharma hopes the new vaccine will be in use globally by 2027.
