Late September 2018, my husband Vishal was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Adenocarcinoma which had metastasised to the bone in his back.

Vishal started his fight against cancer by undergoing radiotherapy on his back. Followed very quickly by a combination therapy of Chemo and Immunotherapy. It was during this time we were fortunate to take the Guardant 360 liquid biopsy test. Through such advances in cancer research, we found Vishal’s disease was attributed to a genetic mutation known as RET. A rare mutation apparent in only 1-2% of people diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and impacting less than 1% of the world’s population. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the mutation the first line treatment (Chemo & Immunotherapy) was not as successful as we would have hoped.

Our amazing oncology team were quick to introduce us to a new trial drug available on our doorstep at UCLH. BLU-667 a breakthrough chemo tablet, specifically targeting the RET mutation. Vishal was the first and only person to be on the trial in the UK. However, Vishal’s immune system was so depleted he was in and out of hospital fighting multiple infections.

Vishal’s battle against cancer was an emotionally and physically challenging journey which he fought fearlessly. On Wednesday 6^th March 2019 our worst nightmare came true, we lost Vishal to this deadly disease.

Without the work Cancer Research have already done, Vishal wouldn’t have had the opportunity to try new and innovative therapies. With further research and development, these treatments and new treatments could help save the lives of others.

As a polite request to all our family and friends, it would be an amazing gesture if you could donate to Cancer Research UK in memory of our beloved Vishal.

Vishal touched so many lives in the short time he was with us. He will be dearly missed by us all but especially by his two young sons Rayan & Kian xx

Thank you very much.

The Savadia Family