New drug combo shows promise against tough skin cancer

NCT ID NCT06624475

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (Opdualag) works better than one drug (nivolumab) alone when given before surgery for high-risk basal cell carcinoma. About 30 people with large or hard-to-treat skin cancers will receive either the combo or single drug. The goal is to see if the tumors shrink or disappear before surgery, which could lead to better outcomes and less disfigurement.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
nivolumab and relatlimab (Opdualag)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a more effective pre-surgery treatment for high-risk basal cell carcinoma, potentially reducing tumor size and the need for extensive surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The combination may not work better than nivolumab alone, and immune-related 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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, Irvine

    RECRUITING

    Irvine, California, 92868, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of California, San Francisco

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94158, United States

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