New drug combo aims to boost immune attack on melanoma
NCT ID NCT03021460
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This early-phase trial is testing whether combining two drugs—pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica)—can safely treat advanced melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system fight cancer, while ibrutinib blocks enzymes that help cancer cells grow. The study involves 20 participants and aims to find the best dose and check for early signs of tumor shrinkage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica)
- What this could lead to
- If this combination proves safe and effective, it could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small Phase 1 trial with only 20 participants, focused on finding the right dose and safety. It is too soon to know if the combination will work better than 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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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