Optimising Immuno-oncology Approaches in Oncology

Background: The MRC Clinical Trials Unit is the largest of its kind in Europe, running practice changing trials in cancer, infections and neurodegenerative disease. A key programme of activity within the MRC CTU is 'affordable and effective cancer care'.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are an approach that has revolutionized cancer treatment, stimulating the body's own immune system to control or eradicate cancers, yet as intravenous (antibody) drugs are burdensome to patients and prohibitively expensive for many health economies.

Aims: I aim to undertake a piece of original work within this programme at the MRC CTU, contributing to efforts to optimize ICI treatment across the common cancers.

Methods: I will have the opportunity to progress a piece of translational work allied to the REFINE trial (REduced Frequency ImmuNe ChEckpoint inhibition) that is currently in set up and due to open to recruitment by the end of 2021.

This will allow us to better understand the pharmacokinetic aspects of extending the interval between ICI treatment in responding patients.

REFINE is one of a number of trials testing reduced treatment in cancer, a concept that is naturally challenging to the public and participants within clinical trials.

A second strand of my research will work with the PPI groups on these studies, developing common themes and approaches for trials that will ensure optimized questions and recruitment alike.

Finally there are a number of academic and commercial studies testing adding ICI to radical treatment (including the IMPART project at MRC CTU).

Through a basket approach I will collaborate with the methodology and meta-analysis groups at MRC CTU to identify the shortest duration of ICI likely to generate the maximal benefit in this situation.

How the results of this research will be used: The outcome from these three strands of work, in the context of internationally relevant studies will contribute meaningfully to global cancer care.

Furthermore in being exposed to three different areas of work allied to clinical trials I will learn a huge amount in an exceptional environment and fulfill the requirements for a rewarding and high quality PhD