Finding hope through clinical trials

60-year-old Ballina local Maree Smeal was first diagnosed with liver cancer following an appendectomy in June 2017. Although scans found a 2.2 cm lesion on her liver, Maree was told this was benign and didn’t require any further treatment. It was after seeing her GP later in the year for an unrelated issue that Maree was referred to a specialist for further scans, which indicated that the tumour in her liver had grown significantly in size to 10.5 cm and her AFP levels had skyrocketed.

“I was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). I was in shock, as prior to this I had always been really healthy, fit and active. There was no history of cancer in my family.”

In November 2017, Maree had 60% of her liver removed as well as her gallbladder and was told that her cancer appeared to be confined to her liver. Just a few months later in January 2018, Maree’s cancer was found in her lungs and she was given a new diagnosis – Stage IV HCC.

“It was devastating. I was referred to my local oncologist who said my long term prospects were very poor. My only course of action was to take the standard treatment to give me some more time.”

By participating in a clinical trial, patients such as Maree have the opportunity to access a potentially lifesaving treatment and help advance cancer treatment for all Australians and across the world.

Although Maree doesn’t know what’s going to happen in the future, participating in a phase 1 clinical trial has been a really positive experience.

“When I was told I was suitable for a clinical trial, I was over the moon. It gave me hope that I had been given a chance, since I didn’t have any other way forward.”

“This opportunity has helped me get my life back and changed my outlook. My tumours have decreased in size and the majority of my side effects have virtually disappeared. I truly can’t believe I am still here, and without research I wouldn’t have had the chance. Now I can look to the future.”

Maree says that having a great support system helped her keep going when times were tough.

“If it means the chance for a longer life, explore absolutely every avenue you can and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.”

“Clinical trials have been life-changing for me.”

Icon proudly offers Australia’s largest private cancer clinical trials program, providing hope and opportunity for cancer patients to access new treatments and helping us to improve cancer care for people now and into the future. It is these trials and the doctors and patients involved today, that advance the way we can treat cancer tomorrow.

Learn more about clinical trials at Icon