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A picture of Alfred smiling.

Patient stories about cancer drugs

Helping more people survive cancer is the aim of everything we do. Read stories from people who have benefited from cancer drugs, and how research has made a difference to them.

Patients' stories

A picture of Alfred smiling.

Finding the right treatment

Alfred from London was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2012. He took part in the Cancer Research UK trial STAMPEDE, which is trying to find the best treatment for people with prostate cancer. For his part in the trial he was given abiraterone, which Cancer Research UK scientists developed. "When I found out I was eligible, I thought: 'There's something I can do'. Not just for myself, but for others too."

Read more about Alfred's story

Image of Tommy, standing outside and looking away from the camera.

Testing a new combination

Tommy from Liverpool was diagnosed with bladder cancer just before his 60th birthday, and took part in the TUXEDO clinical trial. The trial was testing a drug that Cancer Research UK scientists helped discover called cextuximab, alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He remembers, "I decided I'd do it in about 10 seconds." Since the trial Tommy has had two clear scans and a clear biopsy. "I knew nothing about trials before this, but I couldn't ask for more - everyone's been great. They're keeping a close eye on me."

Learn more about TUXEDO

Picture of bowel cancer patient Alan, wearing a yellow polo shirt stood in a green field.

The FOXTROT trial

Alan from Kidderminster was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2008. He took part in the FOXTROT clinical trial, which used a drug called panitumumab. Cancer Research UK cientists' cancer biology research led to the development of panitumumab. "I think the trial definitely helped me. Having chemotherapy before my operation helped shrink my tumour which made it easier for the surgeon to remove."

Read more about the trial

Lab equipment.

Current research

From studying the biology of treatment targets in the lab, to developing new cancer drugs, our researchers are working hard to ensure more people survive cancer.

Find out more about our current research

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Past research

Thanks to research, we’ve helped develop cancer drugs that are being used to treat cancer.

Find out more about past research

Explore our timeline of research into drug development

Further information

Want to find more information about our research or cancer drugs?

Find out more about clinical trials

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