Clinical trials · California
Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 1,313 recruiting cancer studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04297020Recruiting
Checking brain health in breast cancer survivors
This study looks at differences in brain function in people who have had breast cancer, compared with certain people without that history. It’s testing how brain health changes after breast cancer and relates to mood, thinking, and daily functioning.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 35–65 - NCT04302025RecruitingPhase 2
Testing targeted and immunotherapy before lung cancer surgery
This trial studies whether giving different cancer medicines before (and sometimes after) surgery improves outcomes for people with early-stage, operable lung cancer that has certain tumor markers. It may help by trying to shrink or control the cancer early and lower the chance it comes back.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04330521Recruiting
Cancer patients share experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak
This study asks adult cancer patients to complete a survey and talk in an interview about how COVID-19 affected their care and daily life. Your answers may help researchers understand what challenges cancer patients faced during the pandemic.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT04379596RecruitingPhase 2
Testing T-DXd combinations for HER2 stomach or esophagus cancer
This Phase 2 study tests how safe and effective T-DXd (an anti-cancer medicine) is in combination for people with advanced stomach/GEJ/esophagus cancer that is HER2-positive or HER2-low. It may help people whose cancer has spread or cannot be removed, depending on their prior treatments and test results.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 18–130 - NCT04485013RecruitingPhase 1
Study drug TTX-080 for advanced colorectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests TTX-080, a drug designed to block a cancer immune “signal” (HLA-G) to help the body fight advanced colorectal cancer. It mainly checks safety and how the treatment works in people with cancer that has spread.
Newport Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04486352RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Targeted therapy trial for recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer
This Phase 1/2 study tests targeted drug(s) for endometrial cancer that has come back or never fully went away after prior treatments. You may be eligible if your tumor can be tested for specific biomarkers and your health allows treatment safely.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04665947RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Imaging and targeted drug for pancreatic cancer using special radiation
This early study tests a two-step approach: a special PET/CT scan to find pancreatic cancer, followed by a targeted radiation medicine to attack it. It may help researchers learn whether this targeted approach is safe and able to reach pancreatic tumors after standard treatment.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04700332RecruitingPhase 2
Test of PyL PET/CT for high-risk or returning prostate cancer
This Phase 2 study checks how well a scan called PyL PET/CT can help find prostate cancer that is high-risk or has come back by blood test. The goal is to improve how doctors detect spread and guide the next treatment steps.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04701476RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab for advanced colorectal or lung cancer
This study tests pembrolizumab (an immune system medicine) with another treatment (TATE) in people with advanced colorectal or lung cancer that is not driven by certain gene changes. It may help shrink tumors after standard chemotherapy has stopped working.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04715178Recruiting
Childhood cancer sample and data registry
This study collects stored samples (like blood or tissue) and health information from people affected by cancer at a young age, including some survivors. The goal is to build a library of specimens and data that researchers can use to better understand childhood and young adult cancers.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT04802759RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing drug combinations for recurrent or advanced ER-positive breast cancer
This early-phase trial tests several combinations of cancer medicines to slow or control ER-positive breast cancer that has returned or progressed. It also checks safety and whether tumor or blood biomarkers can help match the right treatment to the right person.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04852887RecruitingPhase 3
Testing shorter breast radiation after low-risk hormone breast cancer
This Phase 3 trial studies whether “less intense” radiation can work as well as standard radiation for certain early-stage hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative breast cancers that have a low Oncotype DX score. It may help reduce treatment burden while keeping cancer control strong.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 50–70 - NCT04864054RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study T-cell therapy for advanced liver cancer
This trial tests a custom immune-cell treatment made to target a marker (GPC3) found on some liver cancers. It’s for adults with advanced HCC whose cancer has worsened after standard treatment or who couldn’t tolerate it.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04888975Recruiting
Device study for one-arm swelling after lymph surgery
This study tests a medical device (Dayspring Technology) to reduce swelling in the arm caused by breast cancer treatment and lymph surgery. You may be eligible if you have one-sided arm swelling after lymphatic surgery and meet safety checks for the device.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04929223RecruitingPhase 1
Targeted drug study for metastatic colon or rectal cancer
This Phase 1 study tests targeted cancer treatments in people with metastatic colorectal cancer, using genetic “biomarker” results to match you to the right treatment group. It focuses first on safety, and also looks for early signs the treatment may work in specific tumor subgroups.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06792695RecruitingPhase 2
Study of new treatments for colorectal cancer
This trial tests new treatment combinations for colorectal cancer that has spread (metastatic). It is for people whose cancer is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite stable (MSS) and who have not had previous treatment for metastatic disease.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–130 - NCT04970056Recruiting
Pancreatic cancer risk and early-detection registry study
This study builds a database of people at higher risk for pancreatic cancer (or certain early warning findings) to help find better ways to detect the disease early. You may be asked to complete health questionnaires and possibly donate a blood/saliva/swab sample.
Burbank, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - NCT05020574RecruitingPhase 2
Study how the microbiome may affect breast implant infections
This Phase 2 study looks at whether changes in the body’s “microbiome” (the normal germs in and on the body) are linked to infections after breast surgery with implants. It may help doctors better predict and prevent implant infections in people undergoing mastectomy with immediate implant placement.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05059444Recruiting
Blood test study to watch for cancer coming back
This study looks at whether blood tests can detect signs that cancer may return after curative-intent treatment. You would have blood drawn around your usual follow-up visits for up to 5 years, and your de-identified health data would be shared with study investigators.
Redwood City, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05061550RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted immune-plus-chemo treatment before and after lung surgery
This trial studies whether adding immune treatment and chemotherapy around the time of lung tumor removal improves outcomes for people with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). You may qualify if your cancer can be surgically removed and your tumor tests meet required biomarker rules.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–95 - NCT05076942RecruitingPhase 2
Study of sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer
This Phase 2 study looks at how vulvar squamous cell cancer (SCC) spreads to the sentinel lymph node, and how findings may guide treatment. It focuses on specific early-stage tumor features and requires that cancer is found in the sentinel lymph node.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05106725Recruiting
Wearable health tracking study for cancer and brain conditions
This study tests wearable devices and related health measurements (“biomarkers”) in people who have cancer-related nerve problems, a brain/neurological condition, or who are healthy for comparison. It may help researchers better understand health signals over time in these groups.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05155501Recruiting
Surgery planning approaches for localized prostate cancer
This study compares different approaches used during prostate cancer surgery for men whose cancer is only in the prostate. It may help doctors choose the safest and most effective surgical plan for your situation.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - NCT05168566RecruitingPhase 2
Sutetinib for lung cancer with a specific EGFR change
This Phase 2 study tests sutetinib capsules in people with advanced (locally advanced or metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer. It’s for tumors that have a specific, uncommon EGFR mutation, and aims to see how well the drug can control the cancer with limited prior chemotherapy.
Glendale, 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
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian · 5 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 5 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 4 studies
- University of California, Irvine Medical Center / UC Irvine Health · 4 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- University of California, Davis Medical Center · 3 studies
- University of Southern California · 3 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 1,313 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.