Mike Peters of The Alarm in remission after groundbreaking cancer treatment

Mike Peters, the frontman of the internationally renowned North Wales rock band The Alarm, is now in remission after undergoing a groundbreaking blood cancer treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.

Diagnosed earlier this year with Richter’s syndrome, an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer, Peters, 65, was forced to cancel a 50-date US tour.

Richter’s syndrome develops when chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer Peters had been battling for nearly 30 years, transforms into a more aggressive form of lymphoma.

A lump that appeared on his neck just days before his tour forced him to seek treatment.

Doctors informed him that, without immediate intervention, he had only months to live.

Peters joined a phase II clinical trial combining acalabrutinib, a targeted therapy for CLL, with chemotherapy, a treatment combination not previously tested for Richter’s syndrome.

Two weeks after his diagnosis, Peters began the first of five chemotherapy cycles, and by August, scans showed no signs of cancer. Doctors described his condition as being in “complete remission.”

Now, Peters is preparing for a donor stem cell transplant, which offers the chance of a complete cure.

Reflecting on his journey, Peters said, “I consider myself lucky I discovered the lump before I’d left for The States, as I might not be here now if I hadn’t.”

He added that participating in the clinical trial saved his life and encouraged others to consider trials if they are viable.

Despite his diagnosis, Peters has remained active, performing at summer festivals and staying physically fit.

He credits playing music and his daily five-mile walks with his dog, Ziggy, for keeping him mentally strong throughout treatment.

Professor Adrian Bloor, the haematologist leading the trial at The Christie, explained that Richter’s syndrome is rare and difficult to treat, but he is hopeful the new therapy will improve outcomes for patients like Peters.

“Once Mike completes his chemotherapy, we will be preparing for a stem cell transplant in the autumn,” said Bloor.

The trial Peters participated in is part of the STELLAR study, funded by Blood Cancer UK, and aims to recruit 60 participants across the UK.

Dr Richard Francis, Deputy Director of Research at Blood Cancer UK, highlighted the importance of trials in improving survival rates for blood cancer, which is the third largest cancer killer in the UK. “Mike’s response to treatment is proof that clinical trials save lives,” Francis said.

Anyone interested in taking part in clinical trials is encouraged to consult with their doctor, as not all patients will meet the criteria for every trial.

Information on clinical trials and blood cancer treatments is available on the Blood Cancer UK website.

Peters, who lives in North Wales with his wife Jules and their two sons, Dylan and Evan, hopes to make a full recovery and continue his musical career, with the stem cell transplant offering the potential for a cure.