New drug combo shows promise in early trial for advanced melanoma

NCT ID NCT03769155

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing whether adding an experimental drug called VX15/2503 to standard immunotherapies (ipilimumab or nivolumab) can help treat stage IIIB-D melanoma that can be removed by surgery. About 41 participants will receive the drug combination before surgery to see how it affects immune cells in the tumor. The goal is to find better ways to shrink or control the cancer before surgical removal.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

VX15/2503 (pepinemab) combined with ipilimumab or nivolumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective treatment approach for advanced melanoma that can be surgically removed.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase 1 trial with only 41 participants, so results are preliminary and may not lead to a standard treatment. Side effects from the drug combination are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

cutaneous melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States