Hidden Hope

This piece signifies the hidden hope in the process of chemotherapy during cancer treatment. It is first in an upcoming collection due to be exhibited at UCLH July - Oct 2026. 

Etoposide is a topoisomerase inhibitor. This means that it stops the topoisomerase enzyme repairing breaks in DNA when cells replicate. In cells that are replicating fast (for example cancer cells), the cells undergo programmed cell death, called apoptosis. This is a process where the body the cells shrink down and fragment and are cleared away in a tidy process preventing inflammation. The active compound is found in the rhizomes (an underground plant stem that can grow new shoots and roots) of the May Apple (American Mandrake) plant.

Podophyllum was extracted from the roots of the May Apple by Native American tribes as a medicine and poison which was used as a purgative (to induce vomiting). It was later used for warts due to it’s ability to stop cells dividing rapidly, however, had dangerous side-effects.

In the 1950’s a concerted effort was made to seek out cancer therapies from podophyllum as it was known to stop cells dividing, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s etoposide and teniposide were discovered to be effective. Etoposide was approved in 1983 and is licenced in the UK, to treat Testicular cancer, small-cell lung cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Acute myeloid leukaemia and ovarian cancer.

The plant usually covers woodland floors in North America and Canada. The deep darkness under the umbrella of those leaves is truly how this plant looks in its natural habitat, with a bright single white flower glowing out from underneath. Signifying the hope, (the drug it creates) brings in a time of darkness. The powerful, impactful dynamism almost represents the strength of this drug - both in its healing, but also its side-effects.

Hand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards.

Size is A2 height.

This is a limited edition with only 30 available.

The framed option comes in a soft, dark-blue ,decorative frame, bespoke made and professionally framed with a glass front (see photos). 

Shipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in acid-free paper.

COLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.

Care Advice

Please keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection (ideally UV protected) to avoid deterioration in pigments.

Please make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.