NCT04697576 · Carlo Contreras
Intralesional Influenza Vaccine for the Treatment of Stage I-IV Melanoma
What this study is about
This phase I trial investigates the effects of influenza vaccine in treating patients with stage I-IV melanoma. While intramuscular administration of influenza vaccine provides immunization against the influenza virus, giving influenza vaccine directly into the tumor (intralesional) may decrease the size of the injected melanoma tumor, or the extent of the melanoma within the body.
View original scientific description
This phase I trial investigates the effects of influenza vaccine in treating patients with stage I-IV melanoma. While intramuscular administration of influenza vaccine provides immunization against the influenza virus, giving influenza vaccine directly into the tumor (intralesional) may decrease the size of the injected melanoma tumor, or the extent of the melanoma within the body.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Ipilimumab
immune checkpoint inhibitor
BIOLOGICAL
Nivolumab
immune checkpoint inhibitor
BIOLOGICAL
Pembrolizumab
immune checkpoint inhibitor
BIOLOGICAL
Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
Given IM and intratumorally. For this protocol the U.S. F.D.A recently approved the use of recently expired influenza vaccine (only until new seasonal vaccine is available anticipated Sept 1). Use of expired vaccine will not exceed 4 months past June 30th expiry date (October 30th).
PROCEDURE
Resection
Undergo surgical resection
BIOLOGICAL
Nivolumab + Relatlimab
immune checkpoint inhibitor
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of adverse events (AEs)
Time frame: Up to 1 year after the last intra-tumoral dose
Frequency and severity of AEs and tolerability of the regimen will be collected and summarized by descriptive statistics. The maximum grade for each type of toxicity will be recorded for each patient, and frequency tables will be reviewed to determine toxicity patterns. All patients who have received at least one dose of the therapeutic agents will be evaluable for toxicity and tolerability.
Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in Cohorts #1 and #2
Time frame: Up to 98 days
Will employ the Bayesian optimal interval design to find the MTD.
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
- Males or females
- 18 to 99 years of age
- Histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma by historical pathology report review, clinical Stage I-III (Cohort #1), or Stage IV (Cohort #2) cutaneous melanoma
- At least one, biopsy-proven, palpable melanoma tumor deposit suitable for intralesional injection measuring ≥ 1 cm by digital caliper (with digital photography documentation) or ultrasound (with ultrasound image documentation)
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0-1
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1.5 x 10\^3/mm\^3 (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Hemoglobin (Hgb) \>= 9 g/dL (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Platelet count \>= 100 x 10\^3/mm\^3 (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) =\< 2.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or =\< 5 x ULN in patients with liver metastases (Cohort 2 only) (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Prothrombin time =\< 1.5 x ULN (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Total bilirubin =\< 1.5 x ULN (unconjugated bilirubin of \< 3 x ULN for patients with known Gilbert syndrome) (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Creatinine clearance of \>= 50 ml/min by Cockcroft-Gault equation (drawn at or not more than 30 days prior to the screening visit)
- Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must agree to use effective contraceptive methods from screening until at least:
- Cohort 1: 14 days after the surgical resection for subjects in Cohort 1
- Nivolumab: 5 months after the last dose of either nivolumab or intralesional Flucelvax, whichever is later
- Pembrolizumab: 4 months after the last dose of either pembrolizumab or intralesional Flucelvax, whichever is later
- Ipilimumab: 3 months after the last dose of either ipilimumab or intralesional Flucelvax, whichever is later
- Relatlimab + nivolumab (marketed under the trade name Opdualag): 5 months after the last dose of either Opdualag or intralesional Flucelvax, whichever is later.
- Combination ipilimumab with other checkpoint inhibitor: Whichever is later:
- 3 months after the last dose of either ipilimumab or intralesional Flucelvax
- Above-bulleted recommendation for nivolumab or pembrolizumab
- Non-childbearing potential is defined as a woman who meets either of the following criteria: a) postmenopausal state defined as no menses for 12 months without an alternative medical cause, or b) documented hysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy
- Effective contraception methods are defined as one of the following:
- True abstinence, defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse, when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject
- Periodic abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods), declaration of abstinence for the duration of a trial, and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception
- Condoms and spermicide
- Diaphragm and spermicide
- Oral or implanted hormonal contraceptive
- An intra-uterine device
- WOCBP must have a negative pregnancy test (serum or urine)
Exclusion criteria
- Known allergy or intolerance to influenza vaccination
- Subjects with condition requiring systemic treatment with either corticosteroids (\> 10 mg daily prednisone/equivalent) or other immunosuppressive medications within 14 days of study drug administration
- Active, known or suspected autoimmune disease
- Active brain metastasis or leptomeningeal metastasis
- Diagnostic biopsy of ocular or mucosal melanoma
- Any melanoma therapy within 6 months of enrollment; though prior surgical resection is permitted
- Incarcerated patients
- Patients known to be HIV positive are eligible if they meet the following criteria within 30 days prior to randomization: stable and adequate CD4 counts (≥ 350 mm\^3), and serum HIV viral load of \< 25,000 IU/ml. Patients may be on or off anti-viral therapy so long as they meet the CD4 count criteria
- Pregnant or lactating patients
- Patients incapable of independently providing consent
Where
- Columbus, Ohio
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations