Could a diabetes drug boost immunotherapy in advanced melanoma?
NCT ID NCT03311308
First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether adding metformin, a common diabetes drug, to the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can improve treatment for people with advanced melanoma. The study focuses on reversing metabolic problems inside tumors that may weaken immune cells. Participants receive either pembrolizumab alone or pembrolizumab plus metformin to see if the combination helps immune cells work better.
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 metformin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a more effective treatment for advanced melanoma by helping the immune system fight tumors better.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-phase trial, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may cause more side effects or not improve outcomes.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Univ of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States