Hit it hard: qualitative patient perspectives on the optimisation of immune checkpoint inhibition

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape of many cancers, including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Randomised trials are evaluating outcomes from reduced ICI treatment schedules with the aim of improving quality of life, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness. This study aims to provide insight into patient and carer’s perspectives of these trials.

Seven focus groups were conducted with 31 people with stage IV melanoma, RCC, or caregivers for people receiving ICI. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Three themes were generated: 1) “Treatment and clinic visits provide reassurance”: reducing hospital visits may not improve quality of life. 2) “Assessment of personal risk versus benefit”: the decision to participate in an ICI optimisation trial is influenced by treatment response, experience of toxicity and perceived logistical benefits based on the individual’s circumstances. 3) “Pre-existing experience and beliefs about how treatment and trials work”, including the belief that more treatment is better, influence views around ICI optimisation trials.

This study provides insight into recruitment challenges and recommends strategies to enhance recruitment for ongoing ICI optimisation trials. These findings will influence the design of future ICI optimisation trials ensuring they are acceptable to patients.