Evaluating biomarkers for melanoma immunotherapy response

Effectiveness of Immunotherapy in the First-line Treatment of Disseminated Melanoma and Recognition of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers From the Primary Tumor, Stool and Body Fluids: PROTOCOL TRIAL

Not applicable Interventional Institute of Oncology Ljubljana · NCT05878977

This study is testing whether certain gut bacteria and blood markers can help predict how well immunotherapy works for people with advanced melanoma.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitute of Oncology Ljubljana Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsnivolumab, pembrolizumab, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Ljubljana)
Trial IDNCT05878977 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiome composition, exosomal mRNA expression of PD-L1 and IFNγ, and the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating metastatic melanoma. Patients receiving first-line immunotherapy will provide stool and blood samples at various time points to assess these biomarkers. The goal is to identify potential predictors of treatment response, which could enhance personalized treatment strategies for melanoma patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with unresectable stage IIID or IV malignant melanoma who are starting first-line immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with previously treated melanoma or those with contraindications for immunotherapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved patient selection for immunotherapy, enhancing treatment outcomes for those with metastatic melanoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using biomarkers to predict responses to immunotherapy, suggesting this approach may be viable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years
* Cytologically or histologically verified malignant melanoma
* Stage IIID unresectable/IV according to AJCC classification (8th edition, 2018)
* Performance status according to WHO 0 - 2 (ECOG criteria)
* 1st line of systemic treatment with immunotherapy (nivolumab, ipi/nivo, pembrolizumab)
* Triple CT/PET CT done within 4 weeks before the first application
* Signed consent to participate in clinical research

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously treated melanoma with systemic therapy
* Capacity status according to WHO 3 - 4 (ECOG criteria)
* Contraindications for immunotherapy treatment (known deficiency of the immune system or active immunosuppressive treatment or active autoimmune disease requiring treatment)
* Other malignant diseases (except cured basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)

Where this trial is running

Ljubljana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metastatic MelanomaImmune Checkpoints InhibitorsGastrointestinal MicrobiomeExosomal mRNA Expression of PD-L1 and IFNγ
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.