The family of 14-year-old Ethan say a UK clinical trial has given him renewed hope after his Burkitt lymphoma returned two weeks after remission. He underwent emergency bowel surgery in January, received six rounds of chemotherapy and briefly tested cancer-free before an aggressive relapse caused fluid buildup around his lungs. Ethan has started a new treatment at Bristol Royal Hospital For Children as part of a trial testing targeted drugs with modified chemotherapy. His disease is stage three but not in his bones or nervous system, and his family remain determined and supported by their community.
Teen’s Burkitt Lymphoma Returns Two Weeks After Remission — UK Trial Offers New Hope
Ethan Griffiths celebrated his cancer-free diagnosis with his rugby teammates in May [Lloyd Griffiths]
Ethan, a 14-year-old from Maesteg, was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma — a fast-growing form of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma — in January. After emergency surgery and intensive chemotherapy, he briefly reached remission but the cancer returned aggressively within weeks. His family say a UK clinical trial now gives him "a fighting chance."
Ethan got his first cap for West Wales Rugby League U14s [Kate and Chris]
Early Symptoms and Emergency Surgery
Ethan had been in persistent pain and lost about 10kg (22lb) before being rushed to hospital two days after his 14th birthday. On 13 January he underwent emergency surgery to remove part of his bowel. A biopsy of the removed tissue later confirmed a cancer diagnosis.
A biopsy of Ethan's bowel tissue revealed he had cancer [Lloyd Griffiths]
Treatment, Momentary Remission and Relapse
Over the next four months Ethan received six rounds of chemotherapy. After the fifth cycle, tests showed no detectable cancer and the family celebrated when Ethan rang the end-of-treatment bell at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital on 15 May. He even marked the moment again with friends at Bridgend Athletic RFC.
Ethan rang the bell at Noah's Ark on 15 May [Lloyd Griffiths]
"We had two weeks of relative normality," said his father, Lloyd Griffiths. But soon after, Ethan developed abdominal pain and a distended stomach. Scans found the disease had returned aggressively and fluid had built up on his lungs, making breathing difficult.
Ethan had a hospital visit from Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins (left) and former Wales player and coach Steve Tandy [Lloyd Griffiths]
"That drive back to the hospital was horrendous," Lloyd recalled, describing the "immeasurable stress" the family felt as they wondered what would happen next for their brave boy.
New Clinical Trial and Current Status
Ethan has been accepted onto a UK clinical trial for relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma being run in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. The study tests one of two targeted drugs given alongside modified chemotherapy. Clinicians told the family the trial offers roughly a 50% chance of benefit.
Ethan got a specially engraved bell from his teammates in May [Lloyd Griffiths]
Ethan began his new treatment at Bristol Royal Hospital For Children this week. Doctors have graded his disease as stage three and confirm it has not spread to his bones or nervous system.
Family and Community Support
Lloyd said Ethan's spirits remain good and that his mother, Rusann, and two older sisters are staying close by in hospital family accommodation. Local clubs, including Bridgend Athletic, have launched fundraisers to support the family, and Lloyd says they will explore treatments abroad if needed.
"You have to focus on the positive in these situations, even small wins," Lloyd said. "We will do everything we can for our boy."
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