Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Cancer Immunotherapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationship between selected Biomarkers and the response to selected immunotherapy regimens used for treating Renal Cell Carcinoma among patient treated at the Medway NHS Foundation Trust
IRAS ID
350624
Contact name
Stergios Boussios
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Medway NHS Foundation
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Immunotherapy has shown good promise for treatments of many types of cancers, including kidney cancer where Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are employed. Both immunotherapies offer hope for an effective management of kidney cancer (Renal cell carcinoma), however there can be significant individual variability in treatment response. Some patients may experience adverse side effects with many not benefiting at all from the treatment. We aim to evaluate biomarkers associated with positive immunotherapy outcomes of kidney cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) patients to identify who would potentially benefit from a specific type of treatment, and enable a more personalised approach.
To this end, we will conduct high-throughput mass-spectrometry analysis and Immunoassays (ELIZA, Cell proliferation assays) of blood and urine samples from RCC patients undergoing immunotherapy at Medway NHS Trust. The analytical work will be conducted at the University of Greenwich analytical laboratories. Our measurements will determine the molecular profiles of patients undergoing immunotherapy to identify potential responders and non-responders. By comparing samples taken before, during, and after treatment over the 3 yrs period, we intend to identify urine and blood biomarkers that can predict RCC patients' response to the two immunotherapy.
The general objective is to evaluate individual patients responses to selected immunotherapy regimes (Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab) used for treating RCC and the Urine and Blood Biomarkers associated with the outcomes. The biomarker panels could help doctors develop a personalised treatment plan ensuring patients receive the most effective therapy with minimal risk of adverse effects. Remarkably, the proposed approach will help clinicians determine if the treatment is effective without relying on the clinical endpoint, allowing for quicker changes in the treatment plan.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0276
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion