Welcome

REFINE (REduced Frequency ImmuNE checkpoint inhibition in cancers) is a clinical trial for patients who are being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced kidney cancer or melanoma. These drugs work by stimulating the body’s own immune system to fight against cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can stop cancers from growing for many months or years.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are given to patients through an injection into a vein every 3-6 weeks in a hospital or clinic. This means that patients spend a lot of time (and money) on hospital visits.

Clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of different cancers. However, the best way to give these drugs is not known. It is likely that immune checkpoint inhibitors work for a longer period of time than originally thought. This means it may be possible to give the drugs less often and still have the same effect on the cancer.

The REFINE trial tests whether giving an immunotherapy drug less often to patients with advanced cancer results in fewer side effects and improved quality of life, while continuing to be an effective treatment. Giving these drugs less often may also allow the NHS to deliver equally effective treatment at a lower cost.

For more information and how to get involved with the REFINE clinical trial visit the REFINE website by clicking on the image opposite:

Action Kidney Cancer and REFINE

Patient advocates Alison Fielding (Action Kidney Cancer Trustee) and Sharon Deveson Kell (Action Kidney Cancer) are patient and public representatives on the REFINE clinical trial team. They are involved with reviewing the protocol and patient materials, and raising awareness of the trial among the kidney cancer community.