Using a new treatment to boost the immune response in melanoma patients before surgery

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with Intratumoral CPG and PD-1 Blockade in Melanoma

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11053566

This study is testing a new treatment for patients with high-risk melanoma by combining two medicines, CMP-001 and Nivolumab, to see if they can help the immune system better fight the cancer while keeping side effects low.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11053566 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat high-risk melanoma patients by combining a specific immunotherapy agent, CMP-001, with Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody. The treatment is administered intratumorally to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack melanoma cells. The goal is to evaluate how effective and safe this combination therapy is in patients who have not previously received PD-1 blockade. By assessing the immune response and potential side effects, the study aims to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for melanoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with high-risk, resectable stage III melanoma who have not previously been treated with PD-1 blockade.

Not a fit: Patients with melanoma that is not resectable or those who have previously received PD-1 blockade may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pre-surgical treatments for melanoma, potentially reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel combination treatment.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.