The Christie Impact Report 2023-24

Improving life after treatment More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer) each year and it’s one of the most common cancers in people aged 15-34. In recent years, research has led to incredibly positive news for melanoma patients with an extremely effective treatment called immunotherapy. It uses drugs called Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) to boost the immune system and attack cancer cells.

But although ICIs are lifesavers, they can lead to serious health conditions in some patients, known as late effects. There is currently limited understanding as to how frequently and why this happens. We are currently funding research into these late effects with the goal of predicting and preventing these illnesses. To study late effects, researchers need time to see how the effects develop. Usually studies run over three years, but this will run over six years to better understand the longer-term impact of the treatment on patients. Rudolf Palmer was expecting his first child when he received the shock diagnosis of melanoma in 2018. Thankfully he underwent successful surgery and took ICIs as part of his ongoing treatment. He says: “I was happy my cancer didn’t progress, but I became diabetic and got ill with meningitis. I couldn’t do physical activities or play with my children. I really hope this research will minimise the risk of side effects, as these can really impact on your quality of life.”

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