Clinical trials · California
Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 1,311 recruiting cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06607458RecruitingPhase 2
Liver-focused chemo for metastatic colorectal cancer
This trial tests giving high-dose melphalan directly into the liver's blood supply, followed by standard cancer therapy, for people whose colorectal cancer has spread mainly to the liver. The goal is to see if this approach is safer and works better than standard treatment alone.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06654037RecruitingPhase 1
Testing abemaciclib plus 5-FU for advanced colorectal cancer
This trial is testing whether adding a targeted drug called abemaciclib to the standard chemotherapy 5-FU can help people with a specific type of advanced colorectal cancer (MSS) that has stopped responding to other treatments. The goal is to see if this combination is safe and effective.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06690775RecruitingPhase 2
Study of a new drug for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
This trial tests an investigational drug called TORL-1-23 for people with ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to platinum chemotherapy. It aims to see if the drug can help shrink or control the cancer.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06722508Recruiting
Exercise and nutrition before head and neck cancer treatment
This study tests whether an exercise and nutrition program before your cancer treatment can help you recover better. You'll work with a coach to prepare your body for surgery or radiation.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06728579RecruitingPhase 2
Group therapy for joint pain in breast cancer survivors
This study tests two supportive group programs—one using mindfulness skills, the other providing supportive talk therapy—to help breast cancer survivors manage joint pain caused by hormone-blocking pills. If you have ongoing joint pain and are taking an aromatase inhibitor, you may be able to join a free, video-based group.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06789172RecruitingPhase 1
New drug OKN4395 with or without pembrolizumab for solid tumors
This trial tests a new oral drug called OKN4395, which targets a COX2-related immune pathway, alone or with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab, in people with advanced solid tumors. It may be an option if you have certain types of cancer that have stopped responding to other treatments.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06858813RecruitingPhase 1
ABBV-324 for advanced liver or lung cancer
This study tests an experimental IV drug (ABBV-324) for adults with advanced liver cancer (HCC) or advanced squamous lung cancer (LUSC). It aims to see if the drug is safe and whether it can help control the disease.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06906341RecruitingPhase 2
Relacorilant combo for gynecologic cancers
This trial tests a drug called relacorilant combined with different treatments for ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, or endometrial cancers. It may help patients whose cancer has stopped responding to standard therapies.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06906562RecruitingPhase 2
Pemigatinib for advanced pancreatic cancer with FGFR changes
This trial tests a targeted pill, pemigatinib, for people with advanced pancreatic cancer that has a specific FGFR gene change. The study is done entirely through telemedicine, so you can participate from home if eligible.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06910761RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation for cancer spread to brain lining
This trial tests whether a precise type of radiation to the brain and spine (craniospinal irradiation) can help control cancer that has spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord (leptomeningeal disease) in people with breast cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. The goal is to improve symptoms and slow disease progression.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06954831RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation for early-stage breast cancer
This trial tests a shorter, more intense radiation schedule for people with stage I-III breast cancer after lumpectomy. It aims to find if giving a higher daily dose over fewer sessions is safe and effective.
Arcadia, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT06958328RecruitingPhase 3
Testing higher dose radiation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
This trial tests if a higher dose of radiation therapy can help people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer after they've had 4–6 months of chemotherapy. It aims to improve cancer control without significantly increasing side effects.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06998940RecruitingPhase 3
Chemotherapy with or without panitumumab for pancreatic cancer
This trial tests whether adding a targeted drug called panitumumab to standard chemotherapy can help people with a certain type of pancreatic cancer that has spread. It is for patients whose tumors do not have a KRAS mutation and who have already had one line of chemotherapy.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07012031RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Sotorasib and trastuzumab deruxtecan for KRAS G12C lung cancer
This trial tests a combination of two drugs, sotorasib and trastuzumab deruxtecan, for people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that has a KRAS G12C mutation. It may be an option if you've already had treatment with a KRAS G12C inhibitor, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07037004RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a gut health supplement with immunotherapy after kidney cancer surgery
This trial is testing whether adding a gut health supplement (CBM588) to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab can help prevent kidney cancer from returning after surgery. It is for people with certain types of kidney cancer who have not had immunotherapy before.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07064018RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
SPEDOX-6 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new form of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, called SPEDOX-6, for people with certain advanced solid tumors that haven't responded to at least two prior treatments. The drug is designed to deliver doxorubicin directly to cancer cells while possibly reducing side effects.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07124351RecruitingPhase 4
Using a special dye to see cancer during surgery
This trial tests a drug called pafolacianine (CYTALUX) that makes cancer cells glow during surgery. It may help doctors see and remove more cancer from the stomach, esophagus, or appendix. You take the drug before surgery, and a special camera shows the glowing cancer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07216105RecruitingPhase 1
FT836 immune cell therapy for advanced solid tumors
This study tests a new immune cell therapy called FT836, given alone or with chemotherapy or other antibodies, for people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to previous treatments. The goal is to see if it is safe and helps shrink or control tumors.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07219251Recruiting
Veterans with lung cancer needed for study
This study wants to learn more about the experiences of veterans with lung cancer. If you are receiving cancer treatment or recently finished it, you may be able to join.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07000084RecruitingPhase 3
Testing gemcitabine with BCG for returning bladder cancer
This trial tests whether adding a chemotherapy drug called gemcitabine to the usual BCG therapy can help prevent bladder cancer from coming back again. If you have had BCG before and your cancer returned, this study might offer a more effective treatment option.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07307664Recruiting
Increasing genetic testing for cancer patients
This trial aims to increase the use of genetic testing (germline testing) among cancer patients by working with healthcare providers like oncologists and nurses. If you are an oncology care team member treating adults with breast, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer, this study may be for you.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT05538130RecruitingPhase 1
Study medicine for BRAF-mutated advanced solid tumors
This Phase 1 trial studies how PF-07799544 works and what dose is safest in people with advanced cancer that has a specific genetic change called BRAF V600. You may receive it alone or with another treatment, depending on the tumor group, to see if it can treat the cancer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 16 years+ - NCT01035112Recruiting
MRI check for suspicious breast changes
This study uses a breast MRI scan to look at suspicious areas in the breast. It may help doctors better tell which breast changes need closer follow-up like a biopsy.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 21 years+ - NCT01048281Recruiting
Study of stomach and esophagus cancer samples
This study looks at stomach (gastric) and esophagus cancer, using clinical information and tissue samples. It may help researchers better understand these cancers and improve future care.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Cancer trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cancer studies listed above.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center · 6 studies
- City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center · 4 studies
- University of California, Irvine Medical Center / UC Irvine Health · 4 studies
- Stanford University · 3 studies
- UC Irvine Health · 3 studies
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center · 2 studies
- California Pacific Medical Center · 2 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 2 studies
What taking part in a 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.
Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there cancer clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 1,311 recruiting 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 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 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 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.