69-year-old Lesley, who has the BRCA1 gene mutation, was being treated for breast cancer and ovarian cancer at her local hospital. But in 2021, standard treatments stopped working. Thankfully, Lesley was referred to The Royal Marsden where she took part in two clinical trials supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Thanks to The Royal Marsden, Lesley was able to see her daughter get married in 2022, and last year completed the London to Brighton cycle, raising vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
“Cancer has always been present on my mother’s side of the family and something I’ve always been aware of.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. It was caught at a very early stage and I had a small lumpectomy and chemotherapy. Because of my family history, I asked to be checked for the BRCA mutation. Tests showed that I was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene mutation.”
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes usually protect us from cancer. A variant in either of these genes reduces the level of protection, meaning some types of cancer may be more likely to develop over time.
“After the genetic testing, I opted to have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and my womb and ovaries removed as preventative measures. It was at that stage, in January 2016, that they told me that ovarian cancer had been found.”
Clinical trials and treatment at The Royal Marsden
“I’d read about the wonderful work that Dr Angela George was doing with regards to genetics. As my cancer is genetic driven, I asked my consultant if he could refer me to The Royal Marsden to explore the option of a clinical trial.
“I first saw Dr George in May 2021. She recommended I continue with standard care down in Kent, where we live, but that there could be a clinical trial option for me when my standard care treatments proved ineffective.
“When my treatments stopped working in October, I asked to be referred back to Dr George who managed to get me on the clinical trial ACTIVATE at The Royal Marsden.
“At this point I was quite unwell. My daughter was due to get married in September 2022, which seemed a long way off and possibly unreachable.
“I was treated with immunotherapy on the clinical trial and it had the most remarkable effect. I was able to fully enjoy my daughter’s wedding.
“I will for ever be grateful to Dr George and her gynae-genetics team. The way that Dr George looks after her patients and guides their treatment is second to none. She conveys her cutting-edge expertise with great care and kindness.”
I was treated with immunotherapy on the clinical trial and it had the most remarkable effect. I was able to fully enjoy my daughter's wedding."
The FONTANA trial and stereotactic precision radiotherapy
“For a while, I was back on standard care treatment options, but then Dr George identified another trial called FONTANA.
“The FONTANA trial has several phases, each testing different combinations of treatments. In August 2024, I was the first patient at The Royal Marsden to take part in the phase evaluating an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a type of targeted therapy that combines chemotherapy with precision delivery.
“The ADC works by targeting a protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells. I was eligible for the trial because tests showed that my tumour carried this receptor.
“In May 2025 the majority of my disease had responded well to the trial treatments, but there was one stubborn bit of tumour that was still active. Dr George arranged for me to have stereotactic precision radiotherapy to treat that area.
“Stereotactic precision radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that targets small tumors with high-dose radiation, avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue. It enables imaging and treatment to be done in real time, making sure the treatment was focused exactly on the part of the tumour they needed to treat.
“After the radiotherapy, I was able to have two more treatments on the trial. But then my response tailed off which made me ineligible to continue on the trial.
"I am currently on a maintenance treatment of daily Cyclophospamide tablets (a chemotherapy drug) with monthly reviews and three-monthly scans which I have at Cavendish Square."
Taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle challenge
“I’d looked at doing the London to Brighton Cycle challenge in 2024 but I wasn’t quite at the right point of fitness. 2025 seemed like the right time. I wanted something that was a physical challenge, and I wanted to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, as a way of saying thank you to the hospital for everything they’ve done for us.
“I took part with my husband, Andrew. I felt very proud that we completed the London to Brighton cycle with both of us being 68 years old. I never thought I’d be able to get back into an event and pull off a challenge like this, certainly not after having more cancer treatment. It was a wonderful feeling to cross the finish line and my first thoughts were – bring on the next challenge!”
The importance of research
“The work The Royal Marsden doesn’t just affect those patients in the UK who can access clinical trials. Treatments that might not be immediately beneficial to me might be life changing for someone else at some point in the future. This is why research is so important – it’s invaluable.
“I would absolutely recommend other patients to support research and take part in clinical trials where they can. If you’re at a suitable point in your cancer journey and you have the strength, it’s a no brainer. Put your trust in the wonderful teams at The Royal Marsden.
“To me, The Royal Marsden is such a remarkable place. I had been so ill in 2021; I now look up at the hospital in Chelsea and think – I owe you everything.”
Support life-changing research
Lesley received life-changing treatment on two clinical trials, thanks to funding from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Your donations ensure The Royal Marsden can continue to develop new and better treatments for people with cancer, now and in the future.
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