A grateful Donegal man has been recognised at a special event in St James Hospital, as it marked a significant milestone in cancer treatment.
Martin McColgan was joined by his wife, Maeve and best friend Paul as the hospital celebrated over 150 patients having received Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) therapy since the programme began in Ireland.
Patients, families and healthcare staff gathered to celebrate the impact of this pioneering treatment, while also remembering patients who have since passed away.
Martin, from Killygordon, underwent CAR-T treatment after six previous treatment attempts had proven unsuccessful.
He paid a particularly poignant role on the day, closing the celebrations with a song.
This provided a particularly moving moment for patients, families and staff.
It was also an emotional moment for Maeve and Paul who have been such a support during his treatment.
Paul, from Lifford and Martin’s lifelong best friend, drove him back and forth to all his healthcare appointments.
Martin and Maeve were also photographed at the event with Professor Larry Bacon, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lead for CAR-T, and Dr Robert Henderson, Consultant Haematologist.
Martin McColgan closed the celebrations with a song.
St James’s Hospital was the first adult hospital in Ireland to deliver the pioneering treatment in December 2021.
The event came nearly five years after the first patient in Ireland received CAR-T therapy at the Hospital, transforming access to advanced blood cancer treatment for patients across the country.
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CAR-T therapy is an innovative form of immunotherapy that involves collecting a patient’s own T-cells, genetically modifying them to recognise and attack cancer cells.
They are then reinfused back into the patient.
For many patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant blood cancers, it offers hope when other treatment options have been exhausted.
Since the first CAR-T treatment was delivered at St James’s Hospital in December 2021, the programme has expanded steadily, offering hope to patients from across Ireland with relapsed and treatment-resistant blood cancers.
Professor Larry Bacon, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lead for CAR-T at St James’s Hospital, said: “Reaching over 150 patients is an important milestone, but what matters most are the individuals and families behind that number.
“Since the programme began, CAR-T therapy has transformed outcomes for many patients with relapsed and refractory blood cancers who previously had limited treatment options.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of a multidisciplinary team whose expertise and commitment make this highly specialised treatment possible.”
Mary Day, Chief Executive Officer, St James’s Hospital, said: “As home to the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Ireland’s first and only OECI-accredited Comprehensive Cancer Centre, we are proud to lead the delivery of pioneering cancer treatments and world-class care.
“Treating over 150 patients with CAR-T therapy reflects the expertise, dedication and collaboration of our staff and partners, and the life-changing impact of innovation for patients and families across Ireland.”
Liz Higgins, CAR-T Service Co-Ordinator and Lead Nurse, said: “This celebration is about patients and families.
“It is a chance to reflect on the hope that CAR-T therapy has brought to so many people, while also remembering those who are no longer with us.
“Every patient who has come through our programme has left a lasting impact on our team.”