Clinical trials · California
Oncology clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 134 recruiting oncology studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05108298Recruiting
Study to improve cancer survey reporting for young adults
This study focuses on collecting better self-reported information (from questionnaires) from young adults with cancer. It may help improve how future cancer trials understand symptoms and quality-of-life needs.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 18–39 - NCT05235165RecruitingPhase 3
Surgery choice for lung spread of osteosarcoma
This Phase 3 trial compares two ways to remove lung metastases (open surgery vs keyhole surgery) in people with osteosarcoma. It aims to see which approach works better and is safer for patients with a limited number of lung spots that can be removed.
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges Up to 50 years - NCT05237258Recruiting
Compare palliative care approaches for people with high-risk AML
This study tests a specialized (targeted) palliative care program versus usual oncology care for people hospitalized with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The goal is to see if this palliative approach improves comfort, support, and care planning during intensive treatment.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–120 - NCT05254743RecruitingPhase 3
Pirtobrutinib versus ibrutinib for CLL or SLL
This Phase 3 trial compares two oral medicines—pirtobrutinib and ibrutinib—in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who need treatment. It’s designed to see which drug works better and is easier to take, especially for people with a specific genetic change in the cancer (17p deletion).
Anaheim, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05304585RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo for children with early, low-risk fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma
This Phase 3 study tests a chemotherapy plan for children and teens with newly diagnosed, very low-risk or low-risk rhabdomyosarcoma that does not have certain gene fusions (FOXO1 fusion negative). The goal is to see if this treatment can work well while limiting side effects by matching therapy to early-stage risk.
Downey, CaliforniaAges Up to 21 years - NCT05327686RecruitingPhase 2
Adding focused radiation to immunotherapy for kidney cancer
This Phase 2 trial studies whether adding focused, high-precision radiation to immunotherapy helps people with advanced kidney cancer (that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread). It aims to improve cancer control by combining two treatment approaches.
Arroyo Grande, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05396872Recruiting
Decision-making study about gene testing for advanced prostate cancer
This study looks at how Veterans with advanced prostate cancer make decisions about gene testing and possible targeted treatments, and how patients and caregivers understand the information. It may help by improving decision support for people facing germline and tumor testing choices.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05408845RecruitingPhase 2
Study drug vs standard care for HER2 salivary gland cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests how well ado-trastuzumab emtansine (and compares to two standard treatment options) works for salivary gland cancers that are HER2-positive or HER2-low. It aims to see whether the study drug can control cancer better and with acceptable side effects.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05504291RecruitingPhase 2
Treatment delivered inside the eye for retinoblastoma
This Phase 2 study tests a way to deliver cancer treatment directly inside the eye to treat retinoblastoma. It may help shrink the tumor while limiting treatment to the eye when possible.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Up to 18 years - NCT05624996RecruitingPhase 3
Targeted high-dose radiation added to standard lung cancer treatment
This trial tests whether adding high-dose, targeted radiation to the usual treatment helps people with locally advanced, non-operable lung cancer live longer or better control the cancer. It may help shrink tumors in the chest and improve outcomes when surgery can’t be done.
Bakersfield, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05702645Recruiting
Down syndrome long-term study after leukemia treatment
This study follows children and young adults with Down syndrome who have survived acute leukemia (ALL or AML) to learn about their longer-term health after treatment ends. It may help families and doctors understand what health problems to watch for and how to provide better follow-up care.
Madera, CaliforniaAges 6–39 - NCT05711667RecruitingPhase 3
Letermovir to prevent CMV after stem cell transplant in kids
This trial tests whether the medicine letermovir can prevent a common virus (CMV) from coming back after an allogeneic stem cell transplant in children. It may help lower the risk of CMV infection during the vulnerable period right after transplant.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 2–18 - NCT05727176RecruitingPhase 2
Futibatinib for advanced bile duct cancer with FGFR2 changes
This trial tests futibatinib, a targeted pill, in people with advanced (unresectable) or metastatic bile duct cancer that has an FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement. It may help shrink tumors after standard chemotherapy has stopped working.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05735184RecruitingPhase 1
Ziftomenib with AML medicines for NPM1- or KMT2A-mutated leukemia
This Phase 1 trial tests how safe and tolerable ziftomenib is when combined with standard AML medicines (like venetoclax and azacitidine, and other chemo options) in people with AML. It’s for AML patients who have specific genetic changes (NPM1 mutation or KMT2A rearrangement) and helps doctors find the best, safest dose plan.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05946213RecruitingPhase 3
Shorter radiation treatment for high-risk prostate cancer
This trial tests whether a shorter course of radiation works as well as the usual longer course for people with high-risk prostate cancer. The goal is to keep cancer control while possibly reducing treatment time and inconvenience.
Orange, 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+ - NCT06001788RecruitingPhase 1
Ziftomenib for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia
This trial tests a new drug combination called ziftomenib for people whose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has come back or hasn't responded to treatment. Researchers will check how safe it is and what side effects happen.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06026410RecruitingPhase 1
KO-2806 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug called KO-2806, alone or with other treatments, for people with advanced solid tumors that have specific gene changes (like HRAS or KRAS mutations). It may help if standard treatments have stopped working.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06140719Recruiting
Study to speed up DIPG and DMG research
This trial collects information from people with a rare type of brain tumor called DIPG or DMG. The goal is to help researchers learn more about these tumors and find better treatments faster.
Los Altos, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT06207032Recruiting
Cancer biobank registry study
This study collects blood samples and health information from people diagnosed with cancer to build a research database. It may help future patients by enabling better understanding and treatment of cancer.
Whittier, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT06247787RecruitingPhase 1
Imetelstat plus chemo for relapsed leukemia in kids
This trial tests a new drug called imetelstat combined with two chemotherapy drugs (fludarabine and cytarabine) for children and teens with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) that has come back or not responded to treatment. The goal is to find the safest dose of imetelstat and see if it helps control the cancer.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 1–18 - NCT06283927Recruiting
Surgery vs. medical care for recurrent glioblastoma
This trial compares surgery to the best non-surgical treatment for people whose glioblastoma has come back. The goal is to see which approach helps people live longer with a better quality of life.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - NCT07020117RecruitingPhase 1
Study of AKY-1189 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new radioactive drug, AKY-1189, for people with solid tumors that have spread or cannot be removed. It may help if other treatments have stopped working.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06326411RecruitingPhase 1
Testing NST-628 pills for advanced solid tumors with RAS/MAPK changes
This trial tests an experimental pill called NST-628 for people with advanced solid tumors that have specific genetic changes in the RAS/MAPK pathway. The goal is to see if it is safe and effective when other treatments are no longer working.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Oncology trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting oncology studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 10 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 5 studies
- Kaiser Permanente-Oakland · 5 studies
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
- University of California, Irvine Medical Center / UC Irvine Health · 4 studies
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles · 3 studies
- Children's Hospital of Orange County · 3 studies
What taking part in a oncology 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.
Oncology trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there oncology clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 134 recruiting oncology 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 oncology 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 oncology 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 oncology 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.