A GRAYS cancer patient has praised the positive effect a drug trial through Southend Hospital.

Colin Smith has prostate cancer which had spread to his spine.

Since being on the trial drug for the last three years, Colin’s prostate protein level has considerably dropped.

He said: “Six-and-a-half years ago after going to A&E with back pains, I was given an MRI scan and was told I had a tumour on my spine. I was fitted with a back brace and admitted at Southend Hospital the next day.

“I was told I had prostate cancer and that it had spread to my spine which was causing spinal cord compression.

“I was started on a course of radiotherapy to reduce the tumour in size and relieve the pressure on my spinal cord. I was then treated with hormone replacement therapy which I’m still receiving every four weeks.

“After a couple of weeks, I was sent home from hospital. It was at this time that I was asked if I would like to take part in the Janssen & Janssen clinical trial looking at an innovative drug for prostate cancer.

“I’ve now been on the trial for three years. I have regular CT and bone scans, oncology visits and my blood test for prostate protein level has dropped considerably over this period of time.”