Could a common vaccine supercharge immunotherapy against melanoma?

NCT ID NCT05077137

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving a tetanus-diphtheria or polio vaccine during standard immunotherapy can help the immune system better attack melanoma tumors. About 25 adults with advanced melanoma will receive one of these vaccines after four cycles of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Researchers will check safety and look for signs of improved tumor response.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine or polio vaccine
What this could lead to: If it works, this approach could make existing immunotherapy more effective for people with advanced melanoma, potentially improving tumor shrinkage.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase feasibility study with only 25 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and there is a risk of vaccine-related side effects or no improvement in response.

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.

melanoma metastatic melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MELANOMA

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Duke University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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