Clinical trials · California
Brain Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 36 recruiting brain cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT03418961RecruitingPhase 3
Study of heart-risk management for metastatic HER2 breast cancer
This trial follows people with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who are at higher risk for heart damage while on HER2-targeted therapy. Some participants are randomly assigned to different monitoring/heart-protection approaches to see what best helps keep the heart safe.
Emeryville, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07680439RecruitingPhase 2
CAR T cell therapy study for children with DIPG brain tumor
This trial tests a new CAR T cell therapy (BCB-276) for children and young adults with a type of brain tumor called DIPG. The therapy uses your own immune cells that are specially trained to attack the cancer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 1–26 - NCT05786924RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Targeted cancer drug study for RAS/RAF mutation-positive tumors
This Phase 1/2 study tests S241656 (a targeted cancer medicine) in people whose cancers have certain “RAS/RAF” gene changes. It may help shrink tumors or control cancer growth, and also finds the safest dose and best way to use the drug.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05432804RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Selinexor added to temozolomide for recurring brain glioblastoma
This trial studies whether adding selinexor to the standard chemotherapy temozolomide (with radiation) can better treat glioblastoma that has come back after prior treatment. If you meet specific tumor, health, and lab requirements, the goal is to slow tumor growth or improve symptoms.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07619599RecruitingPhase 1
PET Scan to Track Lung Cancer Treatment Response
This study uses a special PET imaging scan to help doctors see how well pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) is working against advanced non-small cell lung cancer. You'll receive the scan along with your regular pembrolizumab treatment and possible radiation therapy to help measure treatment response.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05136846RecruitingPhase 1
Papaverine with chemoradiation for stage II–III lung cancer
This early-phase trial tests whether adding papaverine to standard chemoradiation can improve treatment for stage II–III non-small cell lung cancer (and some limited stage IV cases). It aims to see if the combination is safe and tolerable while targeting the cancer with radiation and chemotherapy.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07339085Recruiting
Advanced MRI for brain tumor recurrence or radiation damage
This study uses advanced MRI scans to better tell the difference between a returning brain tumor and radiation injury. It may help guide your treatment decisions.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03550391RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery-like brain radiation vs avoiding the memory center
This trial compares two ways of giving radiation to the brain for people with 5 or more brain metastases: focused stereotactic radiosurgery, or a whole-brain approach that tries to spare the memory area (with memantine). It aims to see which method better protects thinking and memory while still treating the tumors.
Lancaster, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04511013RecruitingPhase 2
Trial for BRAF-mutant melanoma spread to the brain
This Phase 2 study tests whether a 3-drug plan (encorafenib + binimetinib + nivolumab) works better than ipilimumab + nivolumab for melanoma that has spread to the brain. If you qualify, you’ll get either treatment and have frequent brain scans to track how well it controls the tumors.
Emeryville, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06059690RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Imaging brain tumors to guide glioblastoma treatment
This trial studies a special imaging scan that combines MRI and PET to find active tumor areas in patients with glioblastoma. It aims to see if the scan can help identify the most aggressive parts of the tumor for surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06090903Recruiting
MRI Study to Understand Glioblastoma Biology Before Surgery
This study uses MRI scans to learn more about the biology of glioblastoma before and after surgery. It may help doctors understand how the tumor behaves and improve future treatments.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06650163RecruitingPhase 1
New imaging test for brain tumor surgery planning
This trial tests a new kind of PET scan that uses a special tracer (Zr-89 crefmirlimab berdoxam) to help doctors see brain tumors more clearly before surgery. If you are scheduled to have your brain tumor removed, this scan may give your surgeon extra information to guide the operation.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Brain Cancer trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting brain cancer studies listed above.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center · 5 studies
- UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · 3 studies
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center · 2 studies
- Bay Area Breast Surgeons Inc · 2 studies
- Bay Area Tumor Institute · 2 studies
- City of Hope · 2 studies
- City of Hope South Bay · 2 studies
What taking part in a brain cancer study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Brain Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there brain cancer clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 36 recruiting brain cancer studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a brain cancer study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a brain cancer trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New brain cancer studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.