Clinical trials · Pennsylvania
Cancer clinical trials in Pennsylvania
We’re tracking 839 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Pennsylvania — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Pennsylvania
- 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.
Furlong, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03659448RecruitingPhase 3
Test drug that helps map colon and rectal cancer during surgery
This Phase 3 study tests SGM-101, a drug used during surgery to help doctors better outline primary, recurrent, and spread (metastatic) colorectal cancer. It may improve how completely tumors are identified and removed during an operation.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03760575RecruitingPhase 1
Pembrolizumab plus chemo with surgery for pleural mesothelioma
This trial studies how well pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) works when added to chemotherapy before image-guided surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. It aims to shrink or control the cancer and improve surgical results by combining treatments.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03860883Recruiting
Comparing wider versus narrower surgery margins for stage II melanoma
This trial studies whether removing a slightly wider strip of skin around a melanoma improves outcomes compared with a narrower strip. It also uses a lymph node staging procedure to check spread and helps doctors fine-tune surgery for stage II melanoma.
Sayre, PennsylvaniaAges 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.
Allentown, PennsylvaniaAges 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03970096RecruitingPhase 2
Reduce graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant
This Phase 2 study tests ways to lower the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious complication after an allogeneic stem cell transplant from a matched donor. It is for people with acute leukemia or MDS who are going to receive intensive conditioning therapy, aiming to improve safety while keeping the transplant effective.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 1–60 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04077099RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study drug for lung cancer with MET changes
This trial tests REGN5093, a study drug, in adults with advanced lung cancer that has a specific change called a MET alteration. If you have this MET change, the study aims to see how well the drug controls the cancer and how safe it is.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04114136RecruitingPhase 2
Study tests pembrolizumab or nivolumab plus a diabetes-like drug
This Phase 2 study tests whether adding a metabolic (diabetes-related) medicine to an immune therapy (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) can better control certain solid tumors. It may help people whose standard treatment would usually be pembrolizumab or nivolumab alone.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04165772RecruitingPhase 2
Dostarlimab for locally advanced mismatch-repair deficient solid tumors
This Phase 2 trial studies dostarlimab (an immune therapy that targets PD-1) given before surgery or other initial treatment. It aims to shrink certain locally advanced cancers that have mismatch repair deficiency, potentially making treatment easier and improving outcomes.
Allentown, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Paoli, PennsylvaniaAges Any age - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 50–75 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 25–50 - NCT04315324RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Test drug OBI-3424 for relapsed T-cell blood cancer
This trial tests OBI-3424, an investigational medicine, in adults and children with relapsed or hard-to-treat T-cell acute leukemia or certain T-cell lymphoma. It may help by shrinking cancer when standard treatments have not worked.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 12 years+ - 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.
Hershey, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04367246Recruiting
TP53 (Li-Fraumeni) family biobank and sample study
This study collects and stores health information and biological samples from people who have a known TP53 change (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) and from close family members. The goal is to help researchers learn more about risks and future treatments for this genetic condition.
Phildelphia, PennsylvaniaAges Any age - NCT04369560RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Virtual MRI to map bladder cancer for staging before surgery
This early-stage study uses special MRI imaging to create a “virtual view” of the bladder wall so doctors can better stage bladder cancer before treatment. If you qualify, you may get MRI imaging using contrast medicines as part of planning your surgery.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–90 - NCT04452305Recruiting
Frozen testicle tissue transplant to restore fertility
This study tests using previously frozen (cryopreserved) testicle cells or tissue to regrow testicular tissue. If you’ve had cancer treatment that can harm fertility, this may help restore natural fertility potential using your own tissue.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges Any age - NCT04452162Recruiting
MRI study for salivary gland tumors
This trial uses special MRI scans to learn how salivary gland tumors work in the body. It may help improve diagnosis and how tumors are evaluated without needing treatment yet.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 40 years+
Cancer trials by city in Pennsylvania
Where these studies are running in Pennsylvania
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cancer studies listed above.
- University of Pennsylvania · 10 studies
- Fox Chase Cancer Center · 5 studies
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital · 3 studies
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center · 3 studies
- Allegheny Valley Hospital · 2 studies
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · 2 studies
- Geisinger Medical Center · 2 studies
- Geisinger Wyoming Valley/Henry Cancer 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 Pennsylvania?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 839 recruiting cancer studies with a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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.