Welsh rock star Mike Peters, famous for fronting the band The Alarm, is now in remission from an aggressive form of cancer, all thanks to an NHS drug trial. Peters had to cut short a US tour earlier this year after being diagnosed with fast-growing lymphoma. Following experimental therapy at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, Peters has been given the all-clear. Having been battling chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) for over 29 years since the age of 36, Peters had undergone various treatments and chemotherapy sessions, managing to keep the cancer under control until this recent turn of events.
In April this year, just five days before departing for a 50-date US tour, Peters discovered a lump in his neck overnight. Doctors suspected Richter’s syndrome, a transformation of CLL into a more aggressive lymphoma. Urgent tests confirmed their fears, leading Peters to cancel the tour and start immediate treatment. The rock star, who is married to Jules and has two sons, faced a tense wait for the biopsy results, eventually learning the severity of his situation. Doctors warned that without prompt treatment, he might only have had a couple of months to live.
Referring from the North Wales Cancer Centre to the Christie for specialized care, Peters agreed to participate in a clinical trial combining a targeted therapy, acalabrutinib, with standard chemotherapy. Although acalabrutinib is approved for CLL, its effectiveness in combination with chemotherapy for Richter’s syndrome was untested. Fortunately, the treatment yielded positive results, with recent scans showing Peters to be in remission. The medical team is now focused on finding a suitable donor for a stem cell transplant to prevent the leukaemia from recurring.
Peters expressed his gratitude for the opportunity the trial provided, acknowledging that not all patients with Richter’s syndrome have the same chance at remission. He credited the overwhelming support and prayers from his fans with helping him through this challenging time. Despite the setbacks, Peters managed to perform British shows this summer, carefully timing them around his chemotherapy cycles to protect his health.
The rock star’s wife, Jules, who herself battled breast cancer eight years ago, shared her optimism for the future, having lived through the challenges of cancer alongside Mike. Specialists involved in Peters’ treatment are hopeful that the combination therapy will prove successful in treating Richter’s syndrome and preventing its recurrence. The ongoing support from organizations like Blood Cancer UK, who funded the research into the combined treatment, is integral to advancing cancer care.
Peters remains determined to focus on his music and live performances, aiming to avoid radiotherapy if possible to preserve his voice. With plans for a stem cell transplant in the coming months, Peters is optimistic about the prospects of a full recovery. The medical team at the Christie, along with the support of Peters’ fans, family, and colleagues, have played a crucial role in his journey to remission and eventual cure.