Can an Anti-Inflammatory pill revive immunotherapy in tough melanoma?

NCT ID NCT04971499

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether adding dapansutrile (an anti-inflammatory pill) to pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) can help people with advanced melanoma whose cancer no longer responds to PD-1 inhibitors. About 26 adults with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma will take part. The study first finds a safe dose, then checks if the combination shrinks tumors.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dapansutrile (an oral anti-inflammatory drug) plus pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy)

What this could lead to

If it works, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced melanoma that no longer responds to standard immunotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 26 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug combination may cause side effects or fail to shrink tumors.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Duke Cancer Center

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States