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, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT03899155RecruitingPhase 2
Study for continuing or restarting cancer treatment that worked before
This trial lets people who were already in a related “parent” study either keep taking treatment or restart it after it had stopped working for a while. It’s meant for people who previously had a meaningful response and may still benefit from continued treatment.
Lynwood, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03947385RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
First drug test for metastatic uveal melanoma with specific gene changes
This Phase 1/2 trial studies IDE196 in adults with metastatic uveal melanoma that has certain gene mutations or fusions. It’s mainly testing safety and correct dosing, and may help shrink tumors in patients matched to the tumor’s genetic changes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03739814RecruitingPhase 2
Test inotuzumab, blinatumomab, and possibly ponatinib for CD22 ALL
This Phase 2 study tests a combination of medicines (inotuzumab ozogamicin and blinatumomab), with or without ponatinib, for people with CD22-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It aims to improve remission and control leukemia cells, including in the bone marrow.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03550391RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery-like brain radiation vs avoiding the memory center
This trial compares two ways of giving radiation to the brain for people with 5 or more brain metastases: focused stereotactic radiosurgery, or a whole-brain approach that tries to spare the memory area (with memantine). It aims to see which method better protects thinking and memory while still treating the tumors.
Rancho Cordova, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03676647Recruiting
Test DNA methylation from thyroid FNA samples to diagnose cancer
This study looks at a molecular test (DNA methylation pattern) using samples taken during fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules. It aims to help identify which thyroid nodules that looked “unclear” after the first test may be cancer.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 19 years+ - NCT03603223RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab for abnormal mouth patches that may become cancer
This Phase 2 trial studies pembrolizumab (an immune medicine) for leukoplakia and related abnormal mouth patches with moderate/severe pre-cancer changes. It aims to see whether the treatment can shrink or control the lesions when surgery or radiation isn’t an option.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03587844RecruitingPhase 2
Test dosing of brentuximab for skin lymphoma
This Phase 2 study tests how brentuximab vedotin should be dosed for people with mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome (skin T-cell lymphoma), and also for lymphomatoid papulosis. It may help improve how well the treatment works while tracking side effects.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03618550RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma
This study tests a combination of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with a chemotherapy regimen called GVD for patients whose Hodgkin's lymphoma has not responded or has returned after initial treatment. The goal is to see if this combination works better than standard approaches.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03620786Recruiting
HIFU experience study for treating parts of the prostate
This observational study looks at outcomes after people choose HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) to treat only a targeted area of the prostate. It may help doctors better understand how well HIFU works and what follow-up imaging or testing shows over time.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–85 - NCT03448926Recruiting
DCIS test registry to guide radiation and drug decisions
This study collects information from people with breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to see how a specific lab test (DCISionRT) may help predict who benefits from radiation and/or certain medications. Your results and clinical details are gathered during routine care, not necessarily to change treatment right away.
San Mateo, CaliforniaAges 30–85 - NCT03384238RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Panitumumab dye during pancreatic surgery
This trial tests whether a targeted antibody with a fluorescent dye can help surgeons see and remove pancreatic cancer during planned surgery. It’s an early-phase study, so the main goal is to see if the approach is safe and useful around the time of the operation.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 19 years+ - NCT03492151Recruiting
Scans pancreatic cysts during a biopsy procedure
This trial tests a special camera (confocal laser endomicroscopy) used during an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy to help tell what type of pancreatic cyst is present. It may help doctors decide faster whether surgery is needed.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03207854Recruiting
Donate blood and immune samples for cancer, blood, or healthy volunteers study
This study collects blood and immune-related samples from people with cancer, certain immune-related blood conditions, or healthy volunteers. It helps researchers understand immune changes and may support future diagnosis or treatments.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 19 years+ - NCT03113643RecruitingPhase 1
SL-401 with standard drugs for hard-to-treat blood cancers
This Phase 1 study tests SL-401, given with azacitidine and sometimes venetoclax, to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). It aims to find a safe dose and see whether the combination can improve blood cancer control.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02984761Recruiting
Surgery vs focused radiation for early lung cancer
This trial compares two ways to treat early-stage lung cancer: surgery or a precise type of radiation called stereotactic radiotherapy. It aims to find out which approach works best for people whose cancer is small and has not spread.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02701153Recruiting
Short pre-surgery radiation for soft-tissue sarcoma
This trial tests a short course of radiation before surgery to shrink a soft-tissue sarcoma and make it easier to remove. It may help by improving how well the tumor can be removed, while studying safety and effectiveness for this cancer type.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02693535RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted drug testing for advanced cancer with tumor gene changes
This trial tests whether FDA-approved targeted drugs can help people with advanced cancer whose tumors have specific gene changes. It aims to match your tumor's unique genetic profile to a drug that may work better for you.
Auburn, CaliforniaAges 12 years+ - NCT02402244Recruiting
Caring registry study for children and young people with cancer
This study keeps a careful record of children, teens, and young adults with cancer (and some related growths) and may follow them over time. It helps researchers better track outcomes and future contact so care can improve.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges Up to 25 years - NCT02250352Recruiting
Biopsy study to collect breast tumor tissue samples
This study takes small tissue samples (core biopsies) from people with known or suspected breast cancer and stores them for research. It may help scientists better understand breast tumors, especially when the cancer has spread.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02555735Enrolling by invitation
Study of exceptional responders with solid tumors on chemotherapy
This study looks at people with solid tumor cancer (like many common carcinomas) to understand who responds exceptionally well to chemotherapy. You might be eligible if you are newly diagnosed or already receiving chemotherapy and can follow the study plan.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT01790152Recruiting
Dexrazoxane study to monitor heart damage in cancer survivors
This study tests dexrazoxane (DRZ) to see how it affects blood and heart-related “biomarkers,” or measurable signs of heart damage, after cancer treatment. It mainly targets survivors who may be at risk for cardiomyopathy (heart muscle weakness) or related heart failure.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT01954992RecruitingPhase 3
Glufosfamide vs 5-FU for metastatic pancreatic cancer after gemcitabine
This study compares two chemotherapy drugs—glufosfamide and 5-FU—in people with pancreatic cancer that has spread and got worse after gemcitabine. It aims to see which option works better as a “second-line” treatment.
Whittier, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT02081755Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Everolimus after liver transplant to lower liver cancer return
This trial studies whether everolimus, a transplant medicine, can safely reduce the chance that liver cancer comes back after liver transplant. It compares how well the treatment works while carefully monitoring side effects and safety.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT00349830Recruiting
Blood marker test to track response to cancer treatment
This study looks for new blood (serum) markers that may show whether anti-cancer therapy is working. If you have cancer or possible cancer and can safely take part, your blood may be used to monitor treatment response over time.
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 · 6 studies
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center · 4 studies
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · 3 studies
- Innovative Clinical Research Institute · 2 studies
- Kaiser Permanente-Oakland · 2 studies
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford · 2 studies
- Rady Children's Hospital · 2 studies
- Stanford University 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 1,320 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.