Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Cancer clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 756 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- NCT04986579RecruitingPhase 2
Scalp cooling to reduce hair loss during breast cancer chemotherapy
This Phase 2 trial tests whether using a scalp-cooling device during chemotherapy can help prevent or lessen hair loss in people with metastatic invasive breast cancer. You would need to be starting a specific chemotherapy plan and be willing to begin scalp cooling with your first treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05059444Recruiting
Blood test study to watch for cancer coming back
This study looks at whether blood tests can detect signs that cancer may return after curative-intent treatment. You would have blood drawn around your usual follow-up visits for up to 5 years, and your de-identified health data would be shared with study investigators.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05061550RecruitingPhase 2
Targeted immune-plus-chemo treatment before and after lung surgery
This trial studies whether adding immune treatment and chemotherapy around the time of lung tumor removal improves outcomes for people with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). You may qualify if your cancer can be surgically removed and your tumor tests meet required biomarker rules.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–95 - NCT05076942RecruitingPhase 2
Study of sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer
This Phase 2 study looks at how vulvar squamous cell cancer (SCC) spreads to the sentinel lymph node, and how findings may guide treatment. It focuses on specific early-stage tumor features and requires that cancer is found in the sentinel lymph node.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05155501Recruiting
Surgery planning approaches for localized prostate cancer
This study compares different approaches used during prostate cancer surgery for men whose cancer is only in the prostate. It may help doctors choose the safest and most effective surgical plan for your situation.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 40–80 - NCT05379985RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Test drug RMC-6236 for certain RAS mutations in advanced cancers
This trial tests whether RMC-6236 can treat advanced solid tumors that have specific RAS-related gene changes (especially certain KRAS G12 mutations). You may be able to join if your tumor’s DNA test shows the right mutation and your overall health is good enough for study visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05501704RecruitingPhase 2
Testosterone-blocking therapy for male breast cancer
This Phase 2 study tests an oral treatment (called “ET”) to treat hormone-receptor–positive, HER2-negative invasive breast cancer in men. It may help shrink or control cancer without using standard cancer treatments first.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05524428Recruiting
Test to improve colorectal cancer screening at community clinics
This study tries to reduce barriers to colorectal cancer screening by using a repeated “test and improve” approach with clinic staff. If you work in roles that support screening at participating community health centers, you may be eligible to help implement and evaluate these changes.
East Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05669430RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing an anti-cancer drug alone and with pembrolizumab
This early-phase study tests GV20-0251 (an anti-cancer treatment) by itself and combined with pembrolizumab, to see how well it works and how safe it is. It is for adults with advanced solid tumors that have grown despite standard treatments, or where standard treatments aren’t an option.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05674357Recruiting
Training therapists to help people with cancer distress
This trial trains therapists in evidence-based treatments to reduce distress related to cancer and cancer care. You may be able to join if you’re being treated or followed at MGH Cancer Center and your distress level is high.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05683418RecruitingPhase 1
Study of a new drug for PIK3CA-mutated HR+ HER2- breast cancer
This early-stage study tests the safety and tolerability of TOS-358 in women with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has a specific gene change (PIK3CA). It may help learn whether this targeted treatment is safe enough to move forward.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05692024RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Coffee and gut bacteria study after colon or rectal cancer
This early-phase study tests whether a coffee-related approach can change gut bacteria and blood “metabolites” after treatment for stage I–III colon or rectal cancer. The goal is to learn if these changes could help improve health after standard cancer treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05696626RecruitingPhase 3
Test a new pill plus abemaciclib versus standard therapy
This Phase 3 study compares lasofoxifene plus abemaciclib versus fulvestrant plus abemaciclib for ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has an ESR1 mutation. It looks for better tumor control in people whose cancer has progressed on hormone therapy (an aromatase inhibitor) and who meet specific safety and testing requirements.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05710848RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study drug for repeat bladder tumor surgery patients
This trial tests STM-416, given around the time you have surgery to remove recurring bladder tumors, to see if it can reduce the chance the cancer comes back. It is for people with high-risk early bladder cancer (non–muscle-invasive) who have already had standard treatment and now need another TURBT.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05711615RecruitingPhase 1
Low-dose doxorubicin plus peposertib for advanced sarcoma
This Phase 1 trial tests a low dose of a common chemotherapy (liposomal doxorubicin) together with an anti-cancer drug called peposertib. It’s for people with advanced sarcoma that can’t be cured, aiming to find a safe dosing plan and see how well the treatment might work.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05715684Recruiting
Pre-surgery preparation program for people having bladder removal
This study tests a patient-centered coaching and preparation program before bladder surgery (cystectomy) to help you get ready for surgery and recovery. It may be especially helpful for people having urinary diversion using an ileal conduit or ileal neobladder.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT05726370RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemo before surgery for recurrent head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests whether giving pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) plus chemotherapy before curative surgery can improve outcomes for people with resectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer. It also studies how these treatments affect the tumor and immune response using required tissue and blood samples.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05765500RecruitingPhase 2
Relugolix vs leuprolide to improve prostate cancer quality of life
This Phase 2 study compares two medicines that lower testosterone—relugolix tablets versus leuprolide injections—to see which better improves quality of life. It’s for people with prostate cancer who are starting hormone treatment and have not used similar testosterone-lowering drugs before.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05804318Recruiting
Adaptive daily radiation for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer
This trial tests a radiation plan that is adjusted every day using your own scans to better target prostate cancer. It may help reduce side effects while still treating the cancer effectively in men with lower- or intermediate-risk disease.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05874921Recruiting
Registry for adults with UTUC treated with Jelmyto
This registry collects information about adults with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) who received Jelmyto after it was approved. It helps doctors understand outcomes and real-world experience with Jelmyto.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05890677Recruiting
Surgery versus conservative care for chronic breast-related arm swelling
This trial compares microsurgery to standard conservative therapy for long-lasting arm swelling caused by prior breast cancer. It may help people who still have swelling despite months of decongestive treatment by improving quality of life.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05894239RecruitingPhase 3
Tested targeted drug for HER2-positive breast cancer with PIK3CA changes
This Phase 3 study tests inavolisib plus Phesgo versus placebo plus Phesgo in people whose breast cancer has both HER2-positive and PIK3CA-mutated tumor markers. The goal is to see if adding inavolisib improves how well the treatment controls the cancer and how safe it is.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05898594Recruiting
Lung cancer screening for high-risk Black adults
This study is designed to help Black adults at higher risk get lung cancer screening. It checks whether a screening approach can catch lung problems early and connect people to the right next steps.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 50–80 - NCT05914766Recruiting
Support program for newly diagnosed rectal cancer patients
This trial tests an informational and supportive care program for people with newly diagnosed, locally advanced rectal cancer. It may help by providing education and practical support around next steps in treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+
Cancer trials by city in Massachusetts
Where these studies are running in Massachusetts
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cancer studies listed above.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · 11 studies
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 8 studies
- Brigham and Women's Hospital · 7 studies
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · 3 studies
- Baystate Medical Center
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
- Codman Square Health Center
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Foxborough
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 Massachusetts?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 756 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
- 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 Massachusetts to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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.