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 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05663502Recruiting
Donate blood and tissue samples for HIV-related cancer research
This study collects blood and tissue samples to help researchers learn more about cancers related to HIV/AIDS. You may be able to join if you’re 18+ and have HIV and a cancer diagnosis, or (if HIV-negative) a certain cancer that is closely linked to AIDS-related cancers.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05653388Recruiting
Study biomarker testing in metastatic leiomyosarcoma
This trial looks at lab markers (biomarkers) in tumor samples from people with leiomyosarcoma that has spread or can’t be fully removed. It also enrolls people who are receiving certain first-line chemotherapy, and your results may help guide future treatment decisions.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT05665738Recruiting
Two high-dose radiation treatments for early prostate cancer
This trial tests a shorter course of high-dose radiation therapy for prostate cancer that hasn't spread. It aims to make treatment more convenient while keeping it effective.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05672108RecruitingPhase 2
Chemo delivered into lung tumors using a catheter
This trial studies a treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to lung tumors by placing a catheter into lung blood vessels. It may help people with lung cancer or lung metastases that are growing despite standard treatment, or who cannot tolerate it.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05614739RecruitingPhase 1
Study of vepugratinib for cancers with FGFR3 gene changes
This study tests a new pill, vepugratinib, for people whose cancer has a specific change in a gene called FGFR3. The drug targets this gene change to try to slow or shrink the cancer, and may be an option if standard treatments have not worked.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05612347Recruiting
Compare stool test vs colonoscopy for older adults with polyps
This study compares two ways to check for colon polyps in older adults: using a stool test versus having a colonoscopy. It may help find a simpler option if you only had a small number of lower-risk polyps before.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 65–82 - NCT05561387RecruitingPhase 3
Drug combinations for newly diagnosed myeloma without transplant
This study compares different combinations of medicines for people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who cannot safely get a stem cell transplant. It aims to find which drug plan works best and is tolerable for people with “frail” or “intermediate fit” health.
Truckee, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT05554393RecruitingPhase 2
Treating intermediate-risk AML in younger adults
This trial compares three different drug combinations for younger adults (18-59) with intermediate-risk AML. You will be assigned to one of three groups: standard chemotherapy (cytarabine + daunorubicin), that same chemotherapy plus venetoclax, or venetoclax combined with azacitidine.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18–59 - NCT05554406RecruitingPhase 2
New drug therapy for high-risk AML
This trial is testing new drug combinations for people with newly diagnosed, high-risk AML who have not yet started treatment. It aims to find more effective therapies for this aggressive form of leukemia.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18–59 - NCT05563766RecruitingPhase 2
Itraconazole with standard treatment for esophageal cancer
This trial tests whether adding the antifungal drug itraconazole to the usual chemotherapy and radiation before surgery can improve the chance of no cancer cells remaining at surgery. It is for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer that can be surgically removed.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05583708RecruitingPhase 2
Trial tests targeted radiation plus immunotherapy after anti–PD-1 failure
This Phase 2 trial studies whether peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (targeted radiation) combined with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) can shrink Merkel cell cancer after it has grown despite anti–PD-1/L1 treatment. It may help people whose cancer has specific receptors that make them eligible for the targeted radiation.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05519878Recruiting
Light plus job therapy for fatigue in genitourinary cancer
This trial tests whether light therapy and an occupational therapy fatigue program can reduce fatigue in people with certain urinary-system cancers who still have mild fatigue during treatment. It may help you feel more energized and manage day-to-day activity while cancer treatment is ongoing.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05534646RecruitingPhase 2
Carotuximab plus hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer
This trial tests a new drug called carotuximab given with a standard hormone therapy (apalutamide or enzalutamide) for men with prostate cancer that has stopped responding to current hormone treatments. The goal is to see if this combination can slow the cancer's growth and lower PSA levels.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05521698RecruitingPhase 1
Bicalutamide for early-stage bladder cancer
This trial tests whether the drug bicalutamide can help men with early-stage (non-invasive) bladder cancer, which has not grown into the bladder muscle. It is given before surgery to see if it can reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive bicalutamide or a placebo before their scheduled surgery.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05040360RecruitingPhase 2
Chemotherapy after surgery for high-risk pancreatic NET tumors
This Phase 2 trial studies whether giving chemotherapy after surgery can lower cancer recurrence risk in people with high-risk pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It may help you by testing an added treatment after the tumor has been removed.
Buena Park, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05486572Recruiting
Ultrasound or MRI to help prevent liver cancer deaths
This study compares ultrasound scans versus MRI scans to see which one better helps prevent deaths from liver cancer in people with cirrhosis. You may be assigned to one of the two imaging tests and follow-up visits to track whether liver cancer develops or is caught early.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT05471856RecruitingPhase 1
Test different doses of cancer drugs with ezabenlimab
This Phase 1 trial tests how different doses of a study drug (BI 1703880) work and how safe they are when given with ezabenlimab for advanced solid tumors. It’s for people whose cancer can’t be removed with surgery and who have tried standard treatments or can’t get them.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05498428RecruitingPhase 2
Amivantamab for advanced lung cancer with EGFR mutations
This Phase 2 study tests amivantamab (an antibody medicine) in people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that has specific EGFR gene changes. It may help shrink tumors or control cancer when standard curative treatments aren’t possible.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04191551Recruiting
Study of stomach precancer conditions during endoscopy
This study looks at people with certain stomach symptoms or precancer risk factors when they get a camera test of the upper digestive tract (endoscopy). The goal is to learn how to better detect and evaluate stomach precancer conditions early, which may help guide treatment or follow-up.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 35–84 - NCT05436418RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Lower-dose transplant medicines to prevent graft-versus-host disease
This early-phase study tests a lower dose of cyclophosphamide given after a stem cell transplant to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). It also uses sirolimus and mycophenolate to improve how well the donor immune system accepts the transplant, aiming to reduce side effects while keeping protection against GVHD.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 12–120 - NCT05417594RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Targeted drug study for advanced cancers with genetic changes
This Phase 1/2 study tests AZD9574 alone or with other cancer treatments in people with advanced solid tumors. It focuses on cancers with specific DNA repair gene changes (like BRCA1/2) or other matching tumor features, and aims to see if the treatment can shrink tumors and improve outcomes.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–130 - NCT05435495Recruiting
Study why PSMA radioligand therapy stops working
This study looks at tissue samples from tumors to understand how and why PSMA radioligand therapy may become less effective. If you have PSMA-avid cancer lesions that can be biopsied, the trial may help researchers find ways to improve treatment.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02660645Recruiting
Blue light bladder scan for suspected bladder cancer
This trial uses a special blue-light camera during a bladder procedure to help doctors better see non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It may help find cancer spots more clearly so they can be treated sooner.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05386108RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Test abemaciclib plus elacestrant for breast cancer brain spread
This trial studies whether the combination of abemaciclib and elacestrant can slow or shrink ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread to the brain. It is designed for people whose cancer has progressed despite prior hormone (endocrine) treatment.
Fullerton, 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 · 6 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 5 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 4 studies
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center-Herrick Campus · 2 studies
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Santa Clara · 2 studies
- Kaiser Permanente-Oakland · 2 studies
- Kaiser Permanente-Roseville · 2 studies
- Mercy Cancer Center - Elk Grove · 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 1,320 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.