Surgeon to cycle 300 miles for oesophageal cancer research
Professor Tim Underwood will attempt a two-day cycle challenge to raise money for his team’s research.
Oesophageal cancer returns in seventy percent of patients. The funds raised by the challenge will go towards research into why it has such a high rate of recurrence.
Hidden cancer cells
Tim Underwood is Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the University of Southampton. He leads a research team at University Hospital Southampton.
The team’s research has discovered a rare type of cancer cell. In some patients, these cells can hide, so they remain after treatment. This allows the cancer to return.
“These cells appear to be hidden from conventional methods of detection,” said Professor Underwood.
“They have the characteristics of cancer stem cells, and they could be the reason that oesophageal cancer comes back in some patients where standard assessment suggests complete cancer eradication.
“This has profound implications for new treatment strategies that aim to spare patients surgery. Our data questions the safety of this approach.”
Organised by a patient
The challenge has been organised by Nicola and Jeremy Packer, in aid of the team’s research. It will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, on static bikes and around Hampshire’s borders.
Nicola was motivated by her own fight against oesophageal cancer. She received her diagnosis in 2021, at the age of 53.
She was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy and major surgery. Professor Underwood was the surgeon who removed her oesophagus.
“At the end of my treatment, I said I would do anything in my power to help other people not go through the mill like I did,” she said.
Nicola is now a member of Professor Underwood’s Strategic Oversight Team. She has visited his laboratory to see his team’s research.
“I was so moved, looking at the work they do and the passion behind the team,” she said. “They are on the cusp of some really important innovations that will be translated across cancer.”
Out of his comfort zone
Nicola plans to join a ‘B Team’ of cyclists on Saturday, collaboratively riding at least 300 miles on spin bikes at Everyone Active in Alton.
Jeremy will join the B Team on Saturday and then take on the second 150 miles with Professor Underwood on Sunday.
“I’m really delighted that Nicola and Jeremy are organising this to support our research,” said Professor Underwood. “That’s a real honour, and will support us in our mission to get the better of oesophageal cancer.
“I’m a fairly keen cyclist, but have to admit 300 miles is slightly out of my comfort zone!”
To sponsor Professor Underwood, Nicola and Jeremy Packer, and the other cyclists, in aid of the University of Southampton’s Cancer Immunology Fund, visit their JustGiving page.