New Cancer Drug Shows Promise as Trial Shrinks Tumors

A new treatment for bile duct cancer is giving patients something they've rarely had before: hope for more quality time with their families.

Zanidatamab, a targeted antibody treatment, has shown remarkable results in clinical trials for patients with cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Patients taking the drug survived an average of 18 months compared to just six months on current treatments.

Huw Jones, a 33-year-old from Wales, started the treatment in January 2025 after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer the day before his partner's 20-week pregnancy scan. Within weeks, some of his tumors shrank and he needed less morphine for pain relief.

"There are a lot fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy alternatives," Jones said before his death in February. "I don't feel as tired and I'm able to continue doing exercise." His family believes the treatment gave them precious time together as a family of three with their newborn son, Idris.

The drug works differently than traditional chemotherapy. It targets patients with elevated levels of HER2, a protein that fuels tumor growth, by activating the immune system to destroy cancer cells while reducing side effects.

Gareth Honeybone, a 31-year-old NHS surgeon from Sheffield, experienced even more dramatic results. After starting zanidatamab in January, scans showed his tumor completely disappeared. He's now working full time and recently visited his brother in Australia, something impossible during previous treatments.

"I'm one of the lucky ones, living a normal life again, thanks to zanidatamab," Honeybone said. He worries that without NHS approval, only patients who can access trials or afford private care will benefit from this breakthrough.

The NHS spending watchdog initially rejected the treatment in draft guidance, but officials will meet in March to assess additional evidence. The charity AMMF is pushing for approval, noting the significant improvement in both survival time and quality of life.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how patient voices can drive change in healthcare. Jones and Honeybone transformed their personal struggles into advocacy that could help thousands of future patients access life-extending treatment.

The treatment offers something rare for this aggressive cancer: the chance to live well, not just longer. Patients report being able to work, exercise, and spend meaningful time with loved ones instead of managing debilitating chemotherapy side effects.

Their courage in speaking up during their own battles demonstrates the power of turning personal pain into purpose that could reshape care for an entire patient community.

Officials will make their final decision next month on whether this promising treatment becomes available to all NHS patients who need it.