A pioneering cancer rehabilitation trial in Cork has received renewed funding from the Irish Cancer Society, with researchers hoping it will help make supportive rehabilitation a routine part of cancer care in Ireland.
Launched in 2022, the LIAM Mc Trial (Linking In with Advice and supports for Men with Metastatic Cancer) saw men living with advanced prostate, bladder and kidney cancers receive specialist physiotherapy, nursing, dietetic advice and psychological support twice weekly over 12 weeks.
Developed by Cancer Research at UCC and supported by €300,000 in funding from the Irish Cancer Society, the programme saw 56 men take part, with researchers noting an “overwhelmingly positive response” from participants.
66-year-old John Bradley from Kanturk, Co Cork, is one of the men who took part in the LIAM Mc Trial. Mr Bradley was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2022 and following 39 sessions of radiotherapy, is now in remission.
Mr Bradley said that the physical and emotional impact of his treatment still remains.
“I had to get hormone treatment and my testosterone was cut to zero. The problem with that is it was having an awful lot of side effects. I think of all the side effects, I got most of them.
“You’re lethargic, you can’t sleep properly, your concentration levels are zero. You could be having a conversation, and you get bored after two minutes. You just can’t concentrate, you can’t read books, and all of that has a big effect on your mental health.
“When all the treatment was finished, you’re kind of left to your own devices. You’re at home wondering what’s happening now and, unknown to you at times, your mental health is taking a battering,” he added.
Three months after his radiotherapy ended, Mr Bradley was recommended for the trial by his doctor. Twelve weeks later, his muscle mass had increased by 40% and his old self began to re-emerge.
“I have my confidence back. I don’t have pains. I can sleep fine. I’m good. I’m very good”
Mr Bradley said, “I’m a different person. Before the LIAM Mc, I was maybe at 50 or 60%, but I’m back up there at 90 now again.
“The trial shows you how you can make your life better, both physically and mentally. And if you’re good mentally, the rest will follow.”
The two-year trial has now completed enrolment. However, a recently announced €100,000 renewed investment from the Irish Cancer Society will now allow researchers to carry out a deeper analysis of the LIAM Mc Trial’s findings.
The trial will also have dedicated team members with protected time, initially for two years.
Researchers will further explore changes in participants’ muscle mass as a result of the trial and gather longer-term follow-up data.
Jack Gleeson, the Associate Professor in Medical Oncology in University College Cork and Co-Principal Investigator of the LIAM Mc Trial, says the trial’s ultimate goal is to use their data to help make supportive rehabilitation a routine part of cancer aftercare in Ireland and address what currently is an “important gap” in cancer care.
“The trial so far has shown that men really benefited from the small group setting and from peer support.
“They gained confidence, they gained muscle strength and we were really overwhelmed by how positive the feedback was,” said Mr Gleeson.
“We actually approached 124 men to participate in the programme and 56 participated. So with our renewed funding we want to look at the scope of the programme and see how we can make it more accessible to more people.
“The NCCP and the HSE, as well as our colleagues in CUH, are looking at how we can implement this into routine care for everyone in Ireland,” he said.
Now a year into remission, John Bradley is a regular swimmer and gym-goer.
He hopes his experience will encourage other men living with advanced prostate, bladder and kidney cancers to take part in trials like the LIAM Mc if the opportunity is offered to them.
Mr Bradley said, “to any man out there who’s maybe just finished treatment, doesn’t know what to do, go for advice somewhere, or if you can, sign on to LIAM Mc or something similar.
“Get active. Build up your strength. And everything else will follow.
“I would hate to think where I’d be today without the LIAM Mc. I don’t know what state I would be in, mentally and physically,” he added.
Announcing their renewed funding, Dr Claire Kilty, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, said clinical trials and studies have a “profound impact” on those affected by cancer.
“They are a driving force in improving not only treatments and outcomes but also quality of care and life beyond cancer, as demonstrated by the impact the LIAM Mc Trial has had on patients like John.
“The Irish Cancer Society is proud to have funded the LIAM Mc Trial. We look forward to the results as they are analysed.
“This continued research will help us better understand the trial’s full impact and guide the future of survivorship care for men with advanced cancers in Ireland,” she said.