Clinical trials · Illinois
Cancer clinical trials in Illinois
We’re tracking 679 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Illinois — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Illinois
- NCT04671667RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab vs chemo-radiation after surgery for recurrent head/neck cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) works better than the usual chemo plus radiation after surgery for cancer that has come back in the head and neck area. It may help reduce cancer returning or spreading by using your immune system, but eligibility depends on how the cancer came back and your prior treatments.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18–79 - NCT04665739RecruitingPhase 2
Lutetium Lu-177 for lung carcinoid tumors with somatostatin receptors
This trial tests lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, a targeted radiation treatment, for advanced lung neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors that have a specific marker called somatostatin receptors. It may help shrink tumors by delivering radiation directly to cancer cells that “light up” on a special scan.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT04546399RecruitingPhase 2
Blinatumomab with or without nivolumab for first relapse ALL
This study compares blinatumomab alone versus blinatumomab plus nivolumab in young people whose B-cell ALL has returned for the first time. It aims to see whether adding nivolumab improves control of the leukemia after relapse.
Peoria, IllinoisAges 1–30 - NCT04566328RecruitingPhase 3
Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma test of combination therapy
This Phase 3 trial tests a combination treatment approach for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, focusing on response and deeper remission. It may help by improving how well the disease is controlled early and measuring results beyond standard tests.
Burr Ridge, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT04511013RecruitingPhase 2
Trial for BRAF-mutant melanoma spread to the brain
This Phase 2 study tests whether a 3-drug plan (encorafenib + binimetinib + nivolumab) works better than ipilimumab + nivolumab for melanoma that has spread to the brain. If you qualify, you’ll get either treatment and have frequent brain scans to track how well it controls the tumors.
Alton, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - 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.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 40 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.
Calumet City, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - 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.
Urbana, IllinoisAges 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.
Alton, IllinoisAges 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.
Itasca, IllinoisAges Any age - NCT04294927Recruiting
Tube removal first, then ovaries later for high-risk women
This study looks at whether removing the fallopian tubes first, and the ovaries later, is safe for women with certain inherited gene mutations that raise ovarian cancer risk. It may help you understand a prevention approach when you’re considered high risk and have finished having children.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 25–50 - NCT04317534RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab after lung cancer surgery versus observation
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) given after complete surgery can lower the chance that early-stage lung cancer comes back. You’ll be compared to standard follow-up without extra treatment to see if the drug helps more people stay cancer-free.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 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.
Plainfield, IllinoisAges 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.
Peoria, IllinoisAges 2–21 - 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.
Chicago, IllinoisAges Any age - 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.
Hinsdale, IllinoisAges 35–50 - 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.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - 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.
Burr Ridge, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - 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.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 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.
Alton, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT03854110RecruitingPhase 1
Testing a new drug for ovarian cancer that resists platinum chemo
This trial studies a new drug, misetionamide, given alone or with gemcitabine, for people with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer that no longer responds to platinum-based chemotherapy. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and if it can help shrink or control the cancer.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 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.
Urbana, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - 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.
Evanston, IllinoisAges 30–85 - 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.
Hines, IllinoisAges 18 years+
Cancer trials by city in Illinois
Where these studies are running in Illinois
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cancer studies listed above.
- Northwestern University · 9 studies
- Springfield Clinic · 9 studies
- Carle Foundation Hospital · 8 studies
- Decatur Memorial Hospital · 8 studies
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine · 8 studies
- Springfield Memorial Hospital · 8 studies
- Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois - Decatur · 7 studies
- Carle at The Riverfront · 7 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 Illinois?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 679 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Illinois, 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 Illinois?
- 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 Illinois to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Illinois, 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 Illinois 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.