Can a cancer drug slow down advanced melanoma? small trial hopes to find out

NCT ID NCT02581930

Completed Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing the drug ibrutinib in 18 people with stage IV melanoma that has not responded to previous treatments. Ibrutinib works by blocking certain enzymes that help cancer cells grow. The study aims to see if the drug can shrink tumors and how long it keeps the cancer from progressing.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ibrutinib (a drug that blocks certain enzymes to slow cancer cell growth)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with advanced melanoma that hasn't responded to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study with only 18 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not shrink tumors or improve survival, and side effects are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cutaneous melanoma melanoma metastatic melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

METASTATIC MELANOMA RECURRENT CUTANEOUS MELANOMA STAGE IV CUTANEOUS MELANOMA AJCC V6 AND V7

Contacts and locations

Locations

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
Los Angeles General Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of Kentucky/Markey Cancer Center

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States
University of Virginia Cancer Center

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center - University Hospital

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States
Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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