Combining a new drug with immunotherapy to treat advanced melanoma
Official title: A Phase I Proof-of-Concept Study of CBL0137 Combined with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Therapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-10867390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to boost cancer treatment for people with advanced melanoma by using a special molecule called CBL0137 alongside two common immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, to help your immune system fight the cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,738 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277402-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic melanoma who have not responded to previous immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet undergone immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic melanoma. The study will test a small molecule called CBL0137, which activates a process known as necroptosis, in combination with two existing immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab. By triggering necroptosis, the goal is to overcome the immunosuppressive environment of tumors and improve the immune response against cancer. Patients will be closely monitored to assess the safety and effectiveness of this combination treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma who currently do not respond to existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness, but this specific combination is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Astsaturov, Igor — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Astsaturov, Igor
Related research
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This study is testing a new treatment called CM-HZ01 that helps boost your immune system to fight metastatic melanoma by specifically activating certain immune cells, aiming to make the existing IL-2 therapy work better with fewer side effects for patients who don’t have many options left.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.