Could an immune-boosting pill make melanoma treatments work better?

NCT ID NCT02073123

Completed Disease control Sponsor: NewLink Genetics Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a drug called indoximod, taken as a pill, together with standard immune checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab or pembrolizumab) in 131 adults with advanced or metastatic melanoma that could not be removed by surgery. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and improved tumor shrinkage. The trial has been completed, and results may help design future treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Indoximod (a drug that may boost the immune system against cancer)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could improve response rates and survival for people with advanced melanoma that cannot be surgically removed.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may cause significant side effects or fail to improve outcomes over existing treatments.

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.

METASTATIC MELANOMA STAGE III MELANOMA STAGE IV MELANOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia, 30912, United States
Huntsman Cancer Institute

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States
Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
New Mexico Cancer Center Alliance

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106, United States
Penn State Hershey Cancer Institue

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

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