Clinical trials · California
Pediatric Cancer clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 18 recruiting pediatric cancer studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2 and Phase 2 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06458036RecruitingPhase 2
Selpercatinib before radioactive iodine for RET-positive thyroid cancer
This study tests whether a targeted drug called selpercatinib, taken before radioactive iodine therapy, can help treat thyroid cancer in children and young adults who have a specific genetic change (RET fusion or mutation). The drug may make the cancer more sensitive to the radioactive iodine treatment that follows.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 2–25 - NCT05783323RecruitingPhase 2
Larotrectinib plus radiation for thyroid cancer with NTRK fusion
This Phase 2 trial tests larotrectinib (a targeted medicine) to help radioactive iodine (RAI) work better in people with differentiated thyroid cancer that has an NTRK gene fusion. It may improve how much thyroid cancer the RAI can reach and shrink.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 2–99 - NCT01518400Recruiting
Sharing childhood cancer history to improve survivor care
This study builds a database of people who were diagnosed with cancer as children or teens. It looks at survivors who are done with treatment and currently have no evidence of disease, to help improve long-term follow-up care.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT05024929Recruiting
Test targeted drugs to help radioactive iodine reach thyroid cancer
This study looks at whether certain cancer “targeted therapy” medicines can make radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy work better for thyroid cancer that has spread to the lungs. It also involves taking special whole-body scans to measure how much radioactive iodine gets taken up by the cancer.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges birth+ - NCT04134559RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab for kids with liver cancer that came back
This trial studies pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) in children and young people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that has returned or did not respond to earlier treatment. The goal is to see whether it can shrink tumors and help control the cancer.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges birth–30 years - NCT05294302Recruiting
Online support program for cancer parents in English or Spanish
This trial tests an online (e-health) counseling and support program for parents of children with cancer. It may help you feel better supported and more informed while caring for your child.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT07680439RecruitingPhase 2
CAR T cell therapy study for children with DIPG brain tumor
This trial tests a new CAR T cell therapy (BCB-276) for children and young adults with a type of brain tumor called DIPG. The therapy uses your own immune cells that are specially trained to attack the cancer.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 1–26 - NCT06763770Enrolling by invitation
Digital support for young adult cancer survivors
This trial tests a digital program that combines self-management tools and peer mentoring to help young adults who had childhood cancer transition to long-term follow-up care.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–25 - NCT04715178Recruiting
Childhood cancer sample and data registry
This study collects stored samples (like blood or tissue) and health information from people affected by cancer at a young age, including some survivors. The goal is to build a library of specimens and data that researchers can use to better understand childhood and young adult cancers.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges Any age - NCT06283251Recruiting
RISE support program for children with cancer
This study tests a program called RISE that helps families with low income manage the financial and emotional challenges of childhood cancer treatment. It aims to see if the program is feasible and helpful for families like yours.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges Up to 17 years - NCT04262830Recruiting
Heart scans to predict future heart failure after chemotherapy
This trial uses detailed heart imaging (a special MRI scan) to see how chemotherapy may have affected your heart and to predict who could develop heart failure later. If you qualify, it may help your care team better monitor your heart health over time.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 13–39 - NCT05918640RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Lurbinectedin for cancers with specific EWS-related gene fusions
This early-phase study tests lurbinectedin, a chemotherapy medicine, in children and young adults whose solid tumors have a specific “FET fusion” gene change. It may help shrink tumors that have come back or did not respond to prior treatment, depending on the exact fusion type.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 10 years+ - NCT06055296Recruiting
Supporting Hispanic families in pediatric cancer clinical trials
This study helps Hispanic families with a child newly diagnosed with cancer understand their options when a clinical trial is offered. It looks at how to better support parents during the informed consent process.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07506239Recruiting
Laser therapy for low-grade brain tumors in young people
This trial tests a laser treatment called LITT for low-grade glioma (a type of brain tumor) that has come back or is growing despite prior treatment. It aims to see if the laser is safe and effective in young people aged 2 to 25.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 2–25 - NCT06651580Recruiting
Gene study for kids with pancreas problems
This study collects samples like blood or tissue from children with pancreatitis to look for gene changes that might raise their risk. It helps doctors learn more about why some children get pancreas inflammation.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges Up to 17 years - NCT05372640RecruitingPhase 1
Drug combo trial for rare cancers with shared NUT features
This Phase 1 trial tests the safety and early signs of effectiveness of combining two anti-cancer drugs (ZEN003694 and abemaciclib) in teens and adults with metastatic or unresectable NUT carcinoma, breast cancer, and other solid tumors. It may help by finding a safer dose and whether the drug combination can shrink or control tumors that do not respond to standard treatments.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 12 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+ - NCT04634357RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing donor-like immune T cells for children with liver cancer
This Phase 1/2 trial tests an immune-cell treatment (ET140203 T cells) in children and teens with certain liver cancers that have come back or did not respond to standard treatment. It aims to see whether these T cells can shrink tumors and is mainly focused on safety and early effectiveness.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 1–21
Pediatric Cancer trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting pediatric cancer studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 7 studies
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles · 5 studies
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego · 3 studies
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 2 studies
- Los Angeles General Medical Center · 2 studies
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · 2 studies
- Children's Hospital Orange County
- Keck Medicine of USC
What taking part in a pediatric 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.
Pediatric Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there pediatric cancer clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 18 recruiting pediatric 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 pediatric 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 pediatric 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 pediatric 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.