Immunotherapy Clinical Trials in the UK 2026 — Find Active Studies
Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment in the UK over the past decade. From checkpoint inhibitors that "unmask" tumours to cutting-edge cancer vaccines, the UK is at the forefront of immunotherapy research. This guide covers the types of immunotherapy trials currently recruiting, who is eligible, and how to find studies that match your situation.
Types of Immunotherapy in Clinical Trials
Anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab, durvalumab), and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) therapies. These remove the "brakes" on your immune system, allowing T-cells to recognise and attack cancer. Active in lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and many more.
Engineered antibodies that target specific proteins on cancer cells. Some deliver toxins directly to tumours (ADCs), others flag cancer cells for immune destruction. Trials include bispecific antibodies targeting two antigens simultaneously.
Therapeutic vaccines that train the immune system to recognise tumour-specific antigens. mRNA cancer vaccines (similar technology to COVID vaccines) are a rapidly growing area, with several UK trials now recruiting for melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Beyond CAR-T, this includes Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy. These extract immune cells, modify or expand them, and reinfuse them to fight cancer.
Conditions with Active Immunotherapy Trials
- Lung Cancer — PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are now standard of care; trials focus on combinations, earlier stages, and resistance
- Melanoma — Checkpoint immunotherapy transformed outcomes; neoadjuvant and adjuvant trials are expanding
- Kidney Cancer — IO+TKI combinations are the frontline standard; next-gen combinations in trials
- Lymphoma — CAR-T and bispecific antibodies are changing relapsed/refractory treatment
- Bladder Cancer — Checkpoint inhibitors approved in multiple lines; ADCs and combinations expanding
- Breast Cancer — Especially triple-negative breast cancer; immunotherapy+chemotherapy trials are active
- Hepatitis B — Therapeutic vaccines aim for functional cure
- HIV — Immunotherapy approaches to latent reservoirs and cure research
Biomarkers and Eligibility
Immunotherapy trials often require specific biomarker testing to determine eligibility:
- PD-L1 expression — Measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Many trials require a minimum PD-L1 score (e.g. ≥1%, ≥50%)
- Microsatellite instability (MSI-H) — Tumours with high MSI respond better to checkpoint inhibitors
- Tumour mutational burden (TMB) — Higher TMB often correlates with better immunotherapy response
- Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) — Presence of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment
- HLA typing — Required for some cancer vaccine and TCR therapy trials
Tip: Not all immunotherapy trials require biomarker testing. Use our Smart Matcher to find trials based on what you know — skip anything you're unsure about.
What to Expect on an Immunotherapy Trial
- Treatment is typically given by IV infusion every 2-6 weeks in an outpatient setting
- You'll have regular blood tests and scans (CT, MRI, or PET) to monitor response
- Side effects are different from chemotherapy — they're immune-related and can affect any organ
- Common side effects: fatigue, skin rash, diarrhoea, thyroid changes
- Serious immune-related side effects are rare but need immediate attention (pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis)
- Your trial team will monitor you closely and can pause or stop treatment if needed
- Response can continue long after treatment stops — immunotherapy can create lasting immune memory
Find Your Matching Trials
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