Harrington's father Paddy was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the oesophagus in March.

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We quickly learn that he has inoperable cancer, which has travelled from his prostate to his liver and his bones.

NEWYORKER: Miles To Go

The vaccine showed a trend towards higher survival in its initial trial, is now in a final stage trial in 1300 patients with inoperable lung cancer.

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One is that we are lousy in the UK at catching and diagnosing the disease before it becomes inoperable: cutting the cancer out through surgery is still the most effective way of prolonging life.

BBC: How under-funded is lung cancer research?

The cancer was inoperable.

NEWYORKER: Letting Go

Mr C did not see a doctor until June 2005, and was told the next month that the cancer had returned and was inoperable.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Tayside and Central | Apology ordered over cancer delay

After years of attempts, AstraZeneca has gotten a targeted cancer drug approved vandetanib, a treatment for a rare form of thyroid cancer after it has spread and is inoperable.

FORBES: AstraZeneca's Victory Highlights Difficulty Of Cancer Drug Development