Data released by The National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN) shows that NUH was the only Trust to record survival rates more than three standard deviations above the national median, even after adjusting for factors including case mix and deprivation. This is particularly significant as NUH treats the fifth highest volume of NHL patients in England and Wales, demonstrating excellent outcomes are being achieved at scale.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 14,200 diagnoses annually. Advances in treatment and specialist care are significantly improving outcomes for many patients.
“"These results are a reflection of the outstanding work of our entire lymphoma service. Delivering the best survival outcomes is not down to one person or one team. It is about having the right people with the right expertise working together to provide the highest quality care for every patient."
Professor Fox highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, "From diagnosis and pathology to specialist nursing, imaging services, pharmacy, chemotherapy delivery, clinical trials and follow-up care, every member of the team plays a vital role. We are proud that patients treated at NUH are benefiting from some of the very best outcomes in the country."
One patient, Andre Korol, shared his positive experience after being referred to Queen's Medical Centre in February 2023. Following investigations and a biopsy, he received care from the NUH Haematology team. He recalled Professor Fox telling him, "I took my hand and said there were a lot of lesions on my liver but told me not to worry because I could be cured." Andre underwent chemotherapy and was among the first patients to receive a newly approved NHS treatment. In October 2023, he received the news that there was no evidence of cancer.
Andre expressed his gratitude, remembering the team's dedication: "What got me the most was when I went to ring that bell and all the nurses and the amazing team waited and didn't clock off shift until they had seen me ring that bell. I can't thank them enough. They are all unbelievable people."
The audit results underscore the impact of specialist expertise, access to innovative treatments, and a coordinated multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring patients in Nottinghamshire and the wider region receive world-class lymphoma care locally. Professor Fox added, "While we are delighted by these results, our focus remains on continuing to improve. Every patient deserves the best possible chance of survival, and we will continue working to deliver outstanding care for everyone who comes through our doors."
The findings are based on data from patients treated between January 2022 and December 2023. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune system, with around 14,200 UK diagnoses annually.
