Can a PET scan predict immunotherapy success in melanoma?

NCT ID NCT03356470

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This small pilot study tested whether special PET scans (FLT PET/CT) could detect early signs that immunotherapy is working in people with advanced melanoma. Five participants received standard immunotherapy drugs (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) and had scans, blood tests, and tumor biopsies before and during treatment. The goal was to find a biomarker that predicts response, not to test the drugs themselves.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: FLT PET/CT imaging
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors predict which melanoma patients will benefit from immunotherapy, avoiding unnecessary treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 5 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. It is exploratory and not designed to prove treatment effectiveness.

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

Locations

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States

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