Own immune cells shrink tumors in advanced melanoma trial

NCT ID NCT01005745

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a new way to treat metastatic melanoma by using a patient's own immune cells. Doctors removed a tumor, grew special immune cells (TILs) from it in a lab, then gave them back to the patient along with high-dose IL-2. Before the cell infusion, patients received strong chemotherapy to make room for the new cells. The main goal was to see if this approach was feasible and safe. Nineteen patients took part, and researchers measured whether the cells could grow and whether tumors shrank.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) plus high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for advanced melanoma that has spread, potentially shrinking tumors in some patients.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early-phase trial with only 19 participants. The treatment involves intense chemotherapy and high-dose IL-2, which can cause severe side effects. Not all patients responded.

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.

melanoma metastatic melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

    Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States