Clinical trials · California
Metastatic Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 367 recruiting metastatic cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT03866382RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy plus a targeted drug for rare genitourinary tumors
This Phase 2 study tests whether nivolumab and ipilimumab (immunotherapy drugs) plus cabozantinib (a targeted anti-cancer drug) can shrink or control rare cancers of the urinary/reproductive system that have spread. It may help by boosting the immune system and blocking cancer growth signals at the same time.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04804644RecruitingPhase 3
Memory-sparing radiation for brain metastases in small cell lung cancer
This study tests whether focusing high-dose radiation only on brain tumor spots, while avoiding the hippocampus (a brain area important for memory), helps protect memory and thinking compared with standard whole-brain radiation. It’s for people with small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07042295RecruitingPhase 2
Amivantamab or Cetuximab for Skin Cancer in People with Weakened Immune Systems
This trial tests two drugs, amivantamab with hyaluronidase or cetuximab, in people with weakened immune systems who have advanced skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). The goal is to see if these treatments can help shrink or control the cancer.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 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.
Emeryville, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07100106RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of GDC-4198 alone or with giredestrant for advanced breast cancer
This trial tests a new treatment (GDC-4198) alone or with another drug (giredestrant) compared to a standard combination (abemaciclib and giredestrant) for people with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has progressed after previous treatments.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06572423Recruiting
Personalized focused radiation for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a personalized, very precise radiation treatment (called PULS-Pal) for head and neck cancer that cannot be cured with standard therapies. It aims to shrink tumors and help with symptoms while limiting side effects.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06706076RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Experimental pill for lung cancer with EGFR or HER2 changes
This study tests an experimental pill that targets cancer cells with certain gene changes (EGFR or HER2). It may help shrink tumors or slow the cancer's growth in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06069570RecruitingPhase 1
Gamma delta T cells and low dose radiation for advanced lung or bone cancer
This trial tests a new type of immune cell called gamma delta T cells combined with low-dose radiation to treat people with advanced lung cancer or solid tumors that have spread to the bone. It is only for patients who have already tried standard treatments and either didn't get better or couldn't tolerate them.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06266299RecruitingPhase 1
Study of KK2269 for adults with solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug called KK2269 for adults with solid tumors that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery. It aims to see if the drug is safe and effective, possibly as a treatment option for certain cancers like lung or stomach cancer.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07291037RecruitingPhase 3
Study of datopotamab deruxtecan vs docetaxel for advanced lung cancer
This trial tests a new drug, datopotamab deruxtecan, against a standard chemotherapy (docetaxel) for people with advanced non-squamous lung cancer that has gotten worse after previous treatment. It is for those who do not have certain genetic changes (like EGFR, ALK, or ROS1) and whose tumors have a protein called TROP2.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05498428RecruitingPhase 2
Amivantamab for advanced lung cancer with EGFR mutations
This Phase 2 study tests amivantamab (an antibody medicine) in people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that has specific EGFR gene changes. It may help shrink tumors or control cancer when standard curative treatments aren’t possible.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05136196RecruitingPhase 2
Cabozantinib plus nivolumab for advanced melanoma or head-neck cancer
This trial tests whether combining two immunotherapy medicines—cabozantinib and nivolumab—can shrink advanced melanoma or certain head-and-neck squamous cell cancers. It is mainly for people whose cancer has grown after prior PD-1 treatment.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05967689RecruitingPhase 2
Zipalertinib for lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 mutations
This Phase 2 trial tests zipalertinib (a targeted pill) in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific EGFR mutations, especially “exon 20 insertions.” It may help shrink tumors or slow cancer growth, including in some people with brain metastases.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06989437RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Study of Ponsegromab for Pancreatic Cancer with Weight Loss
This study tests an experimental drug called ponsegromab for people with advanced pancreatic cancer who experience severe weight loss and fatigue. It aims to see if the drug can help improve weight and energy levels while you continue standard chemotherapy.
Encinitas, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07339085Recruiting
Advanced MRI for brain tumor recurrence or radiation damage
This study uses advanced MRI scans to better tell the difference between a returning brain tumor and radiation injury. It may help guide your treatment decisions.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05687110RecruitingPhase 1
Testing novobiocin for tumors with DNA repair gene changes
This Phase 1 study tests whether novobiocin is safe and finds the best dose for people whose tumors have specific DNA repair gene mutations. It may help if your cancer is hard to treat with standard options, including certain patients who already tried PARP inhibitors.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05327010RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new drug combination for advanced solid tumors
This trial is studying whether a new combination of two cancer drugs, ZEN003694 and talazoparib, can help people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to other treatments. Talazoparib is a type of drug that targets cancer cells with certain DNA repair problems. The study is divided into groups based on specific gene mutations or previous treatment responses.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05019716RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Adding ZEN003694 to chemo for NUT cancer
This early-phase study tests whether adding ZEN003694 to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin/etoposide or carboplatin/paclitaxel) is safe and can help control NUT carcinoma. It enrolls people ages 12–17 and adults, including some patients whose cancer has spread or can’t be safely removed.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 12 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 - NCT07602842RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing IDP-001 for advanced solid tumors
This early-stage trial tests a new drug called IDP-001 in people with advanced cancers that have spread or cannot be surgically removed. The study aims to find the right dose and see how well the drug works against various solid tumors.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05691478RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Cabozantinib added to chemotherapy for new osteosarcoma
This trial tests whether adding cabozantinib to standard chemotherapy works better in children and young adults with newly diagnosed high-grade osteosarcoma. It may help by improving control of the cancer, especially for higher-risk cases.
Downey, CaliforniaAges Up to 40 years - NCT05333458RecruitingPhase 2
Atezolizumab plus selinexor for advanced alveolar soft tissue sarcoma
This Phase 2 trial tests whether combining atezolizumab with selinexor can slow or shrink advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) in people age 12 and older. It may help by improving the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer and stopping cancer cell growth signals.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 12 years+ - 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.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 2–21 - NCT06311214RecruitingPhase 2
Personalized ADC therapy for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests personalized antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for advanced solid tumors. It looks for specific proteins on your tumor cells to match you with a treatment that targets them directly.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Metastatic Cancer trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting metastatic cancer studies listed above.
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · 9 studies
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center · 7 studies
- Los Angeles General Medical Center · 7 studies
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center · 7 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 5 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 4 studies
- UC San Diego Medical Center · 4 studies
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
What taking part in a metastatic 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.
Metastatic Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there metastatic cancer clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 367 recruiting metastatic 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 metastatic 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 metastatic 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 metastatic 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.