Rock band The Alarm’s frontman, Mike Peters, has recently received the incredible news that he is in remission from an aggressive cancer, thanks to an NHS drug trial. Peters, who had to cancel a US tour earlier this year after being diagnosed with Richter’s Syndrome, a fast-growing lymphoma, underwent experimental therapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.
The 65-year-old singer, who hails from Dyserth, North Wales, expressed his gratitude for the trial, stating, “Having complete remission thanks to this trial has been incredible.” Medics are now working to find a suitable donor for Peters so he can undergo a stem cell transplant to prevent the cancer from returning.
Peters, who has been battling chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) for over 29 years, discovered a lump in his neck just days before he was set to embark on a US tour. He was referred to The Christie for the drug trial, which involved a targeted therapy called acalabrutinib alongside standard chemotherapy.
The singer, known for supporting bands like U2 and Status Quo on tour, is now focused on finding a match for the stem cell transplant. He expressed his determination to be cured once and for all, with the help of the medical team at The Christie, and thanked his fans for their “phenomenal support and prayers.”
Professor Adrian Bloor, consultant haematologist at The Christie, is optimistic about the treatment’s effectiveness in preventing the cancer from returning. He stated, “It is hoped that the combination of acalabrutinib with chemotherapy will be effective in treating Richter’s syndrome and stopping it coming back.”
Peters’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of medical research and the incredible impact of NHS trials in saving lives.
