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NCT05629546 · Washington University School of Medicine

Memory-Like Natural Killer Cells With Nivolumab and Relatlimab in Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma After Progression on Checkpoint Inhibitors

What this study is about

This is a Phase 1 where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, study designed to characterize the safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of memory-like natural killer cells (ML NK) in combination with nivolumab and relatlimab in subjects with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma. There will be two treatment group$1 to test the variables of ML NK cell source.

View original scientific description

This is a Phase 1 open-label, study designed to characterize the safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of memory-like natural killer cells (ML NK) in combination with nivolumab and relatlimab in subjects with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma. There will be two arms to test the variables of ML NK cell source. ML NK cells from an autologous source will be used for Arm 1, and ML NK cells from an allogeneic source will be used for Arm 2. The investigators hypothesize that ML NK cells from either an autologous source or allogeneic source are safe and tolerable in subjects with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma.

Interventions

BIOLOGICAL

Cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells

Cell product processing is performed at the Siteman Cancer Center Biological Therapy Core Facility (BTCF).

BIOLOGICAL

Relatilmab

Standard of care

BIOLOGICAL

Nivolumab

Standard of care

Primary outcome measures

For treatment with cells from an autologous source: Incidence and severity of adverse events

Time frame: From start of treatment through end of safety follow-up (estimated to be 15 months)

-As determined according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5.0 (NCI CTCAE v5.0)

For treatment with cells from an allogeneic source: Incidence and severity of adverse events

Time frame: From start of treatment through end of safety follow-up (estimated to be 15 months)

-As determined according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5.0 (NCI CTCAE v5.0)

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of histologically confirmed advanced or metastatic melanoma that has progressed after at least 12 weeks or a minimum of 2 doses of treatment with a standard of care PD1/PDL1 containing therapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, or durvalumab).
  • Age: ≥18 years of age
  • Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG) ≤ 2 at screening Form Arm 1 only: Patients must meet the eligibility criteria to undergo apheresis to obtain autlogous NK cells.
  • For Arm 2 only: Patient must have an available allogeneic NK cell donor who meets the eligibility criteria.
  • Adequate organ function as defined below:
  • Total bilirubin \< 2 mg/dL
  • AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) \< 3.0 x ULN
  • Creatinine within normal institutional limits OR creatinine clearance \> 40 mL/min/1.73 m\^2 by Cockcroft-Gault Formula
  • Oxygen saturation ≥ 90% on room air
  • Ejection fraction ≥ 45%
  • Patients with a prior history of symptomatic CNS metastases must have received treatment and be neurologically stable for at least for 4 weeks and off anti-seizure medication and steroids for 7 days prior to initiation of LDC.
  • Able to be off corticosteroids and any other immune suppressive medications for at least 14 days prior to apheresis or lymphodepletion and continuing until 30 days after the infusion of the ML NK cells. However, use of physiological dosing of corticosteroids (defined as ≤15mg prednisone or equivalent) is permitted if deemed medically necessary.
  • Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 28 days prior to study registration. Female and male patients (along with their female partners) must agree to use two forms of acceptable contraception, including one barrier method, throughout participation in the study and for at least 5 months after the last dose of relatlimab.
  • Life expectancy \>12 weeks
  • Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document

Exclusion criteria

  • Active autoimmune disorder requiring immunosuppression (physiologic steroids defined as ≤15mg prednisone or equivalent are acceptable).
  • Prior history of an immune-related Grade 3 or 4 AE attributed to prior cancer immunotherapy (other than endocrinopathy managed with either replacement therapy or asymptomatic elevation of serum amylase or lipase) that resulted in permanent discontinuation of the prior immunotherapeutic agent.
  • Patients with Grade ≤2 irAE who have not completely recovered from irAE (i.e. have residual toxicities \>Grade 1) related to prior cancer immunotherapy (other than endocrinopathy management with replacement therapy or stable vitiligo). Patients treated with corticosteroids for irAE must demonstrate absence of related signs or symptoms for ≥7 days following discontinuation of corticosteroids.
  • Leptomeningeal disease, carcinomatous meningitis, or symptomatic CNS metastases. Patients with asymptomatic brain metastasis with no pending intervention needed, or patients with treated CNS disease and stable for at least 4 weeks and off anti-seizure medication and steroids for 7 days prior to initiation of LDC are eligible.
  • Known hypersensitivity to one or more of the study agents.
  • Comorbidities and any conditions, that in the opinion of the investigator, that put the subject at unacceptable risk for study therapy or prevent the participant from consenting or participating in the study.
  • Uncontrolled and active systemic infections, including but not limited to HIV, Hepatitis B or C infection.
  • Uncontrolled angina, severe uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias, or EKG suggestive of acute ischemia or active conduction system abnormalities.
  • New progressive pulmonary infiltrates concerning for new or uncontrolled infectious process. Infiltrates attributed to infection must be stable/ improving after 1 week of appropriate therapy (4 weeks for presumed or proven fungal infections).
  • Received any investigational or off-label drugs, or cytotoxic chemotherapy within the 14 days or five half-lives (whichever is greater) prior to apheresis.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Subjects are not acceptable candidates if they received prior tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy (either in the setting of clinical trial or standard of care if TIL therapy is FDA approved in the future), or an organ allograft.
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or required active treatment within the past 2 years. Note: participants with basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, or carcinoma in situ (eg. Breast carcinoma, cervical cancer in situ) that has undergone potentially curative therapy are not excluded.
  • Received a live or attenuated vaccine within 28 days prior to the beginning of the lymphodepletion therapy. Eligibility Criteria for Haploidentical Donors (For Arm 2 only)
  • Donor must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Donor must be willing, in general good health, and medically able to tolerate leukapheresis required for harvesting the NK cells for this study.
  • Donor must be negative for hepatitis, HTLV, and HIV on donor viral screen.
  • Donor may not be pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 30 days prior to apheresis.
  • Donor must be able to understand and willing to sign an IRB-approved written informed consent document.
  • Only haploidentical donors will be included.
  • Donor must meet the requirements of institutional donor guidelines, including the requirements of Foundation for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy (FACT) criteria. Eligibility Criteria for Autologous Patients (For Arm 1 only)
  • Patient must be willing and medically able to tolerate leukapheresis required for harvesting the NK cells for this study.
  • Patient must be negative for hepatitis, HTLV, and HIV on the viral screen.
  • Patient may not be treated with any cytotoxic treatment within 2 weeks prior to leukapheresis.

Where

  • St Louis, Missouri

Collaborators

Melanoma Research Alliance, Rising Tide Foundation

Related conditions & keywords

Advanced MelanomaMetastatic Melanomacheckpoint inhibitor resistant melanoma

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 12, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 33 participants interested
3% interest

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RECRUITING

St Louis

Missouri

Location available

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Advanced Melanoma Treatment Options in St Louis, Missouri

If you're searching for Advanced Melanoma treatment in St Louis, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in St Louis and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Advanced Melanoma. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Missouri
Now Enrolling
Up to 33 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Advanced Melanoma?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Advanced Melanoma

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Advanced Melanoma Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05629546. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.