Could a Two-Drug punch wipe out melanoma before surgery?

NCT ID NCT04401995

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Diwakar Davar Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 pilot study tests whether adding the investigational drug vidutolimod to the immunotherapy nivolumab can destroy more melanoma tumors in lymph nodes or nearby skin areas before surgery. Participants have stage IIIB/C/D melanoma that has spread but not to distant organs. The study also uses a special PET scan to track immune activity. The goal is to see if the combination leads to a higher rate of complete tumor disappearance compared to nivolumab alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Vidutolimod (CMP-001) and Nivolumab
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a more effective pre-surgery treatment for advanced melanoma, potentially reducing the risk of cancer spread.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 9 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may also cause additional side effects compared to nivolumab alone.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MELANOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

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