MANIFEST
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MANIFEST: Multiomic ANalysis of Immunotherapy Features Evidencing Success and Toxicity
IRAS ID
361605
Contact name
Samra Turajlic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by helping the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. While it can be very effective for some patients, many do not benefit, and some may experience serious or life-changing side effects. Currently, there are no reliable tests, often known as biomarkers, to predict who will respond well to immunotherapy, who may develop harmful side effects, or how best to choose the most suitable treatment for each patient. MANIFEST is a research study which aims to address these gaps.
MANIFEST will involve up to 3,000 adult patients with different types of cancer who are receiving immunotherapy as part of their routine care across several NHS hospitals in the UK over the next four years. Participants will be invited to donate samples, including blood, stool and tumour tissue, at different time points before and during their treatment. These samples will be analysed using a wide range of techniques to study the immune system, tumour DNA, and other biological features. In some patients, small pieces of tumour will also be grown in the laboratory to test how they respond to treatment. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will be harnessed to combine the data and identify patterns that could help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy or experience side effects.
This is set up as an observational study, and will not affect the treatment patients receive. MANIFEST is funded by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences and the Medical Research Council, with additional support from industry partners. The ultimate goal is to make immunotherapy safer, more personalised, and more effective for future patients with cancer.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0307
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion