Ian Bowers of Cromford, Derbyshire collapsed in January 2008 with extremely high blood pressure and was diagnosed with “malignant phaeochromocytoma” (a very, very rare endocrine system cancer that has spread).

Ian had surgery to remove a 500g (1lb 1oz) phaeochromocytoma (tumour) in February 2008 . He recovered well from the surgery but the tumour had already spread to his lungs. He has a “shower” of tumours in both lungs that are growing.

Ian has had specialised radiation therapy but it didn’t work for him and there is very little evidence that chemotherapy is effective on these types of tumours.

Because Ian’s condition is so rare there is very little published research. Around 60 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with phaeochromocytoma but 90% of them have benign tumours that have not spread and can be successfully treated. Ian is among the 10% for which there is very little hope.

After a lot of research Ian discovered a drug called Sutent (Sunitinib) which is used in the UK to treat kidney cancer. There is impressive evidence that Sutent could reduce and potentially eradicate his type of tumours.

Ian’s cancer specialist applied to Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) for funding for Sutent. The initial request and an appeal were denied on the grounds there was not enough evidence that Sutent was effective for phaeochromocytomas. However, there never will be enough evidence as it is such a rare disease - but with the help of an organisation called The Pamela Northcott Fund Ian is appealing again.

Thanks to the magnificent support from family, friends and people locally and nationally Ian now has enough money to pay privately for 3 treatments of Sutent. Keep up to date with his progress via the news page…

In the meantime Ian is becoming increasingly ill. Unlike more common cancers Ian’s tumours produce adrenalin and other hormones which cause life threatening symptoms. He is at risk of a heart attack and/or stroke as well as the pain and weakness the lung tumours cause. Ian is having more medical crises more often and is running out of time: he is only 40 years old.