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
- NCT04585490RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a personalized add-on treatment after stage III lung cancer
This phase 3 trial tests whether tailoring the next (add-on) treatments can improve outcomes after standard chemoradiation and immunotherapy for stage III, unresectable (not operable) non-small cell lung cancer. It specifically looks at giving durvalumab plus an additional drug (tremelimumab) and possibly other consolidation chemotherapy based on a personalized plan.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04564781Recruiting
Predicting how bladder cancer responds to BCG
This study tries to predict whether BCG treatment will work for people with certain early-stage bladder cancers. It may help doctors better choose and monitor BCG for similar patients in the future.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - NCT04472338Recruiting
Prostate cancer screening for people with higher genetic risk
This study looks at prostate cancer screening for people who may be at higher risk because of a specific inherited (genetic) change. It may help your care team find the best screening approach to catch aggressive prostate cancer earlier.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT04453072Recruiting
iPhone weight-loss app for teens and young adults after transplant
This study tests whether an iPhone weight-management app can help adolescents and young adults lose weight after a stem cell transplant. If you qualify, you’ll use the app and the team will track changes in weight.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 13–30 - NCT04410302Recruiting
Personalized tumor research for bladder, lung, stomach, and liver cancers
This study uses a small sample of your tumor to grow it in the lab, which may help researchers understand your cancer better and find treatments that work for you.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 21–100 - NCT04486833RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Genetic-targeted drug plus gene medicine for EGFR lung cancer
This trial studies a gene-based treatment added to osimertinib (a targeted lung cancer pill) for advanced EGFR-mutant lung cancer that has started growing again on osimertinib. It may help by attacking the cancer with both its usual target treatment and an added genetic approach.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04389632RecruitingPhase 1
Sigvotatug vedotin for advanced solid tumors that spread
This early-stage study tests a drug called sigvotatug vedotin in people with advanced solid cancers that cannot be removed or have spread. It aims to see how well the treatment works and what side effects it causes.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04269902RecruitingPhase 3
Early treatment check for high-risk CLL/SLL
This Phase 3 trial studies an early treatment approach for people with high-risk CLL or SLL who have not yet needed standard therapy. It aims to see if treating earlier can improve outcomes while keeping side effects manageable.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04291755Enrolling by invitation
Stool bank for people receiving cancer immunotherapy
This study is building a “stool bank,” meaning they collect and store stool samples from people who are getting cancer immunotherapy. Researchers plan to analyze these samples to better understand cancer and treatment—your participation may help future research.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04364503Enrolling by invitation
Study that analyzes de-identified patient samples and records
This trial checks how well patient samples and health records can be analyzed when names are removed (“de-identified”) and privacy rules are followed. You might be included if you agree in writing and your sample data can be used for this research and/or your doctor requests it.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT04339036RecruitingPhase 2
CapTem plus Y-90 for liver-spread neuroendocrine tumors
This Phase 2 study tests whether combining capecitabine/temozolomide (“CapTem”) with Y-90 treatment can shrink neuroendocrine tumor (NET) spread in the liver. It may help people whose tumor is mostly in the liver and cannot be fully removed with surgery.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04291651Recruiting
Pancreatic Cyst Registry for Adults With Pancreatic Cysts
This registry study collects information from adults who have a pancreatic cyst (a fluid-filled sac in the pancreas). It may help doctors understand these cysts and how they change over time, which can improve future care.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04343157RecruitingPhase 2
Image-guided radiation for brain tumors that protects thinking
This trial tests a special type of radiation therapy for brain tumors that aims to protect your memory and thinking skills. It may be an option if you have certain brain tumors or a small number of brain metastases.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04239573Recruiting
Compare pancreatic cyst checkup programs and test markers
This study compares different ways to monitor pancreatic cysts and also measures blood or other test markers to see which approach is more helpful. It may help patients by finding the safest, most effective way to track certain cysts that could otherwise be hard to manage.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 50–75 - NCT04166409RecruitingPhase 3
Selumetinib versus chemo for low-grade brain tumor in children
This trial studies whether the targeted drug selumetinib works better than standard chemotherapy (carboplatin and vincristine) for children and young adults with a specific type of low-grade glioma (grade 1 or 2). It may help shrink tumors and slow growth while comparing side effects between the two treatment approaches.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 2–21 - NCT04251052Recruiting
Compare two surgeries to lower ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers
This study compares two risk-reducing surgery plans for people with a BRCA1 genetic change to see which approach helps lower ovarian cancer risk. You may be asked to have the study procedure sooner or later depending on your chosen plan.
Huntington Beach, CaliforniaAges 35–50 - NCT04185935Recruiting
Genetic study of cancer in patients and their families
This study looks at DNA patterns in families where cancer may run in families, to better understand inherited (passed-down) cancer risk. You may be able to help even if you’re not sure whether your cancer is genetic—your family history and, if needed, medical records or tumor samples can be used.
Concord, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT04184973Recruiting
Testing a colon bypass device during colorectal cancer surgery
This trial studies a device (CG-100) placed inside the bowel to see if it can improve safety and outcomes during surgery for colorectal cancer. You would be asked to follow extra study check-ins after your operation, and the team would monitor whether the device works as intended.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT04165070RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Stage IV lung cancer trial using pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy
This Phase 1/2 study tests pembrolizumab (an immune-based cancer treatment) either alone or with chemotherapy in people newly diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It looks at how well the treatments work and whether they are safe, especially in people who haven’t had treatment yet for metastatic disease.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04165798Recruiting
Pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy for stage IV lung cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab alone, or pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, can treat stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. It may help shrink tumors and improve outcomes by boosting the immune system, with or without added chemotherapy.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04031677RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery with or without chemotherapy for high-risk retroperitoneal sarcoma
This trial studies whether adding chemotherapy before surgery helps people with high-risk retroperitoneal (abdominal-area) leiomyosarcoma or liposarcoma. The goal is to improve outcomes while comparing surgery alone versus surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04142437Recruiting
Tracking how larotrectinib works for NTRK fusion cancers in routine care
This study follows people with cancers that have an NTRK gene fusion to learn how safe and effective larotrectinib is during everyday treatment. It may help confirm whether this medicine works well in real-world patients and side effects stay manageable.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT04049539RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Vyxeos for AML that stays after initial chemotherapy
This trial tests whether Vyxeos (a type of chemotherapy) can treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that did not fully go away after standard induction (“7+3”) chemotherapy. It targets people whose leukemia is still present in the bone marrow and need a stronger “re-induction” treatment.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT03937635RecruitingPhase 3
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone, with or without daratumumab
This phase 3 trial studies whether lenalidomide plus dexamethasone can prevent or delay progression of “high-risk smoldering” multiple myeloma, and whether adding daratumumab improves outcomes. It’s meant for people who are not yet showing symptoms, but whose lab and scan results suggest higher risk.
Dublin, 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 · 5 studies
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center · 5 studies
- Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center/Disney Family Cancer Center · 4 studies
- UCSF Medical Center · 4 studies
- University of California, Davis · 4 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 3 studies
- Mercy Cancer Center - Elk Grove · 3 studies
- Mercy Cancer Center - Rocklin · 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 1,320 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.