East of England NHS Trust recruits first participant onto ground-breaking breast cancer study
A retired Administrator at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEHKL), has praised the “fabulous” care she has received as the first participant in an innovative breast cancer study at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.
Linda, 67, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer after tests at QEHKL. Hayley Webb, Linda’s research nurse, reached out to her upon hearing of her diagnosis to invite her to participate in a clinical trial as part of her treatment.
Linda was invited to take part in the ROSETA (Refining and Optimising a behavioural intervention to Support Endocrine Therapy) study which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The study aims to help people with early-stage breast cancer follow their medication plan through a combination of up to four measures: text reminders; written information about medication; therapy sessions; and a website with information to help manage side effects.
Having considered the information provided by Hayley and the team at QEHKL, Linda decided to participate. She said: “I was happy to do it, not just for me, but for individuals who will benefit from what comes of the trial. It’s so important to do your bit to make these studies happen.”
Of the four measures, Linda was randomly assigned two: text message reminders and a clinical psychologist. While the text messages have helped her to remember to take her medication, Linda has found that the clinical psychologist has had the greatest impact. In addition to weekly sessions with the psychologist, Linda receives reading materials and exercises relating to four modules, including ‘mindfulness’ and ‘values’.
Linda said: “I’ve always tried to maintain a positive mindset throughout this process, but some days it’s very difficult. These modules are giving people tools and mechanisms to help them cope during treatment.” Daily mindful practice is helping Linda to reframe her thoughts by “letting go of the past, and trying to find peace in parts of the here and now.”
Linda has felt hugely grateful for the care she has received so far at QEHKL, saying, “I can’t praise the clinical care, empathy and compassion of staff enough. I’ve felt so fortunate to have been treated exactly as I would have hoped at every stage of this process.”
Linda would also encourage other people to participate in clinical research if they are able to. Linda said: “The nurses and trial staff are so supportive, and always just a phone call away. If you feel like you can embrace something like the ROSETA trial, it’s a brilliant way to gain access to support and information, and to help other people living with cancer.”
Dr Amy Fox, Principal Clinical Psychologist at QEHKL said:
“As scientist-practitioners, it’s so important for Clinical Psychologists to contribute to the evidence base that we use to inform the treatments we offer to patients. As such, I am delighted to be delivering the psychological intervention in the ROSETA Pilot Trial for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I’m proud of our team for making us the first site nationally to recruit to this trial, and so grateful to Linda and all our patients who have chosen to join this trial, who make this research possible.”
Helen Macdonald, Chief Operating Officer for the NIHR CRN East of England, said:
“I am delighted that Queen Elizabeth Hospital has recruited the first participant to the ROSETA trial. We are so grateful to Linda for participating in research. Without people like her, clinical trials couldn’t happen. Thank you, Linda.”
To find out more about the ROSETA trial, please contact: ROSETA@leeds.ac.uk.
If you would like to help researchers by participating in a clinical study, find out more at www.bepartofresearch.uk.
