Patrick Kivlehan, originally from Finglas, but living in Kildare for over 20 years, is passionate about raising awareness of clinical cancer trials in Ireland.
“Towards the end of 2011, I was 48 years old, and I decided I wanted to take some more ‘me’ time. For me, this meant training to run two marathons in 12 months! This tells you a little about the psychological and physical mentality I had at the time. I was a passionate runner and wanted to try to hit a new record time.
“I started my training and noticed a little niggle in my knee. I went to see my GP; he mentioned that the clinic was offering a full health check. I decided to go ahead, everything was looking good and at the end, he conducted a blood test.
“That evening my GP was at my door with a letter for the Hematology department, he told me that my white cell count was over 100. The next morning, I went to my 9am appointment and by 11am I was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
“I was told that I most likely had CLL for five or six years, so I could begin my treatment straight away.
“Its hard to believe I was walking around, living my everyday life and training, when I was actually incredibly ill. I really didn’t feel that way.
“I rang the Irish Cancer Society Support Line and spoke with one of the nurses, she spoke to me about CLL and some options that might be available. I think reliable information sources are so important when it comes to cancer.
Based on the positive outcomes with standard chemotherapy, I opted for this treatment process. The idea of a clinical trial was not discussed with me at this stage. Unfortunately, the treatment didn’t take for me, so we decided to look at a stem cell transplant. My brother and sister were a match, but I remained a little wary of the procedure as I know it wasn’t always successful.
“Around this time, my consultant heard about a new drug trial that had just become available, a new targeted medication. I would be one of the first in Ireland to receive this trial treatment. I decided to go ahead, I was on the drug for over 8 years, and it was incredibly effective.
“I did have side effects from the trial drug, but I am able to manage them. I was able to come off treatment for two and a half years in 2021. I just began treatment again a few months ago as my blood test numbers were rising again.
"The treatment I am on now is a fully approved drug, and essentially based off my initial cancer trial drug, which is incredible. I am back working and living a relatively normal life.
“I think clinicians need to be more aware of the various trial options available and offer these to patients as possible therapies rather than going to established first line therapies. I would recommend everyone to ask your consultant what your options are, there might be cancer trials you are eligible for. Just ask.”
The Irish Cancer Society has been supporting Cancer Trials Ireland since the late 1990s. In order to improve patient access to trials, the Irish Cancer Society committed to increase their funding of CTI, investing around €1 million per year since 2021.
