Clinical trials · California
Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 1,320 recruiting cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06646627RecruitingPhase 1
B7-H3 car t cells for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
This trial tests a new treatment where your own immune cells are modified to attack ovarian cancer cells that have stopped responding to platinum chemotherapy. It's for people with recurrent ovarian cancer that hasn't gotten better with standard treatments.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06648278Recruiting
Support and technology study for breast cancer patients
This trial tests a program called PONTS 2.0 that uses phone texts and online tools to support breast cancer patients through their treatment. It aims to make it easier for patients to get the help they need.
San Francisco, 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+ - NCT03053193Recruiting
Testing gene activity to guide breast cancer treatment
This study links breast tumor test results from MammaPrint and optional BluePrint (and full genetic data) with real-world clinical information to understand which new gene activity patterns matter. It may help future patients by improving how doctors use these tests to guide care.
Bakersfield, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06639724RecruitingPhase 1
Test of fostamatinib with chemo before and after surgery for pancreatic cancer
This trial tests adding a new drug, fostamatinib, to standard chemotherapy before and after surgery for pancreatic cancer that can be removed. The goal is to see if the combination helps reduce the chance of cancer coming back.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06630845Recruiting
Comparing two whole-body scan methods for metastatic cancer
This trial tests whether a newer type of MRI scan (called whole-body DWI) can work as well as a standard PET/CT scan (called FDG PET) for finding and monitoring cancer that has spread. If you have metastatic cancer and already have a scheduled PET/CT or other scan, you may be able to get both scans done, helping researchers compare the two methods.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06627647RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing two immunotherapy drugs for advanced lung cancer
This trial tests a new immunotherapy drug, rilvegostomig, against the standard pembrolizumab, both given with chemotherapy, as a first treatment for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that cannot be cured with surgery or radiation. It is for people whose tumors have high PD-L1 levels and do not have certain genetic mutations.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06624644RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
LNS8801 with or without pembrolizumab for advanced melanoma
This trial tests a new drug called LNS8801, alone or with pembrolizumab, for people with advanced melanoma that has stopped responding to prior treatments, especially anti-PD-1 therapy.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06606028Recruiting
Blood test for leftover cancer DNA after head and neck cancer treatment
This study uses a simple blood test to look for leftover cancer DNA after treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if the test can find very small amounts of cancer early, which might help doctors make better decisions about follow-up care.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06600906Recruiting
MRI test to predict treatment response in pancreatic cancer
This study is testing a new MRI technique that may help predict how well pancreatic cancer treatments will work. You would receive a special substance (called hyperpolarized pyruvate) during a standard MRI scan.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06594991RecruitingPhase 2
A study of three immunotherapy drugs for advanced melanoma
This trial tests a combination of three immunotherapy drugs (fianlimab, cemiplimab, and ipilimumab) for people with advanced melanoma that has stopped responding to previous PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. It aims to see if this new combination can help shrink or control the cancer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06587490RecruitingPhase 3
Radiation therapy for limited metastatic cancers
This trial tests whether adding focused, high-dose radiation (SABR) to standard drug therapy can better control cancer that has spread to a few spots in the body. It is for people starting or resuming cancer medicines for newly found or growing metastases.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06577441RecruitingPhase 2
Adding enasidenib to usual care for higher-risk MDS with IDH2 mutation
This trial tests whether adding enasidenib (a targeted pill) to the standard chemotherapy (cedazuridine-decitabine) works better than the chemotherapy alone for people with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) whose cells have a specific change in the IDH2 gene.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06581432RecruitingPhase 2
Zongertinib for advanced cancers with HER2 changes
This trial tests an experimental pill called zongertinib for people with different types of advanced solid tumors that have a specific genetic change called HER2. It's a treatment option when other therapies haven't worked, and it may help shrink or slow the cancer.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06567743RecruitingPhase 2
Study of a new virus therapy for high-risk bladder cancer
This trial tests a new virus-based medicine, cretostimogene grenadenorepvec, given directly into the bladder for people with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It may help prevent the cancer from coming back, especially for those who have not had BCG treatment or whose cancer did not respond to BCG.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06568016Recruiting
Helping patients get colonoscopy after abnormal stool test
This study tests a new clinic program to help patients complete a colonoscopy if they received an abnormal result from a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a simple stool test for colon cancer. It focuses on community health centers and aims to make follow-up care easier.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT06561685RecruitingPhase 1
Study of LY4050784 for Advanced Solid Tumors with SMARCA4 Changes
This trial tests a new drug, LY4050784, for people with advanced solid tumors that have a specific change in a gene called SMARCA4 (BRG1). The study aims to see if the drug is safe and effective. It may be an option for those who have tried other treatments or have no standard options left.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06553872RecruitingPhase 2
Pirtobrutinib and CAR T-cell therapy for mantle cell lymphoma
This trial tests if adding the targeted therapy pirtobrutinib before CAR T-cell treatment (Tecartus) works better for mantle cell lymphoma that has come back or not responded to other treatments. It aims to improve outcomes for patients who are eligible for CAR T-cell therapy.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06560021Enrolling by invitation
Random biopsies in inflammatory bowel disease surveillance
This trial looks at whether taking random biopsies during a routine colonoscopy is helpful for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are at risk for colon cancer. It aims to understand if random biopsies can detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancer.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06524973Recruiting
Telehealth coaching for pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers
This study tests if telehealth coaching sessions with a nurse can help people with metastatic pancreatic cancer and their family caregivers feel better and manage daily life. You and your caregiver will be coached together online to improve your quality of life.
Corona, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06520345RecruitingPhase 3
A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to hormone therapy
This trial tests a new radioactive drug (177Lu-TLX591) plus standard care against standard care alone for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has progressed on an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor. The goal is to see if this targeted radiation can help control the cancer.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06513962RecruitingPhase 3
Triptorelin to protect ovaries in young women with cancer
This study tests whether a medicine called triptorelin can protect the ovaries in young women and teens receiving strong chemotherapy for cancer. If you are newly diagnosed with a cancer (other than breast cancer) and are about to get certain chemotherapy drugs, this trial may help preserve your fertility.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Up to 39 years - NCT06496256Recruiting
Barrigel gel for radiation after prostate removal
This trial tests a gel placed in the rectum during radiation therapy to protect healthy tissue after prostate removal. It is for men whose prostate cancer has come back (PSA rise) and who need radiation to the prostate bed.
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06511141Recruiting
Nerve stimulation for men with overactive bladder
This study tests a nerve stimulation device placed near the tailbone to help men with overactive bladder symptoms. If you have bothersome urinary urgency or frequency, this treatment may offer relief without drugs.
Mountain View, 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.
- University of California, San Francisco · 5 studies
- City of Hope · 2 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center · 2 studies
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles · 2 studies
- Advanced Urology
- Adventist Health - Bakersfield
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 1,320 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.