New treatment methods for early stage melanoma using immunotherapy

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy approaches to early stage melanoma

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WISTAR INSTITUTE · NIH-10913387

This study is looking at how a special treatment called pembrolizumab can help patients with high-risk Stage II melanoma by boosting their immune system before surgery, with the hope of improving their chances of survival and preventing the cancer from spreading.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWISTAR INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10913387 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving survival rates for patients with high-risk Stage II melanoma by exploring neoadjuvant immunotherapy approaches. The study aims to enhance the immune response against melanoma by targeting the sentinel lymph node, which plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to tumor antigens. Patients will receive pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, before surgery to assess its effectiveness in preventing cancer spread. The research will analyze changes in immune cell populations in the lymph nodes to understand how they influence treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with high-risk Stage II melanoma who are eligible for neoadjuvant treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma that is not classified as high-risk or those who have already undergone surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and reduced recurrence of melanoma in patients with high-risk Stage II disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with immunotherapy approaches in melanoma treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.