Optimisation immunotherapy clinical trials investigate ways of reducing the intensity of immunotherapy cancer treatment. This could be beneficial for patients’ quality of life. But these trials can be challenging to run, as patients may be concerned about the impact that reducing the intensity of treatment could have on the cancer. This episode of the Trial Talk podcast focuses on the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL’s OPTIC study, which explores how people with cancer feel about taking part in optimisation immunotherapy trials. Clinical Fellow Sophie Merrick discusses the main barriers that patients face and recommendations to address them. Resources: •OPTIC study page: www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/studies/all-st…/refine/optic/ •OPTIC results paper: www.nature.com/articles/s41416-024-02756-x.pdf •REFINE podcast episode: on.soundcloud.com/Fe3C76csHkgCg2or5 For questions or feedback on the series, message us at mrcctu.engage@ucl.ac.uk For more information and to access the transcript: bit.ly

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6/18/2024

Immunotherapy drugs fight cancer by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. These drugs have revolutionised cancer treatment over the last decade, improving survival for many people with different types of cancer. However, researchers are still unsure of the best way to give immunotherapy, which can come with unpredictable side effects. In this episode, Clinical Fellow Sophie Merrick discusses how the REFINE trial hopes to address this problem, by testing if giving immunotherapy less frequently can still treat the cancer effectively, whilst improving the quality of life for patients, reducing side effects and costs. Further information is available on the REFINE study page at www.mrcctu.ac.uk For questions or feedback on the series, message us at mrcctu.engage@ucl.ac.uk For more information and to access the transcript: https://bit.ly/3DgIDE2

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7/18/2023