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NCT02621021 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)

A Phase 2 Trial for Metastatic Melanoma Using Adoptive Cell Therapy With Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Plus IL-2 Either Alone or Following the Administration of Pembrolizumab

What this study is about

Background: Cell therapy is an experimental cancer therapy. It takes young tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (Young TIL) cells from a person s tumors and grows them in a lab. Then they are returned to the person. Researchers think adding the drug pembrolizumab might make the therapy more effective.

View original scientific description

Background: Cell therapy is an experimental cancer therapy. It takes young tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (Young TIL) cells from a person s tumors and grows them in a lab. Then they are returned to the person. Researchers think adding the drug pembrolizumab might make the therapy more effective. Objective: To test if adding pembrolizumab to cell therapy is safe and effective to shrink melanoma tumors. Eligibility: People ages 18-72 years with metastatic melanoma OF THE SKIN Design: Participants will be screened with: Physical exam CT, MRI, or PET scans X-rays Heart and lung function tests if indicated Blood and urine tests Before treatment, participants will have: A piece of tumor taken from a biopsy or during surgery in order to grow TIL cells Leukapheresis: Blood flows through a needle in one arm and into a machine that removes white blood cells. The rest of the blood returns through a needle in the other arm. An IV catheter placed in the chest for getting TIL cells, aldesleukin, and pembrolizumab (if assigned) Participants will stay in the hospital for treatment. This includes: Daily chemotherapy for 1 week For some participants, pembrolizumab infusion 1 day after chemotherapy TIL cell infusion 2-4 days after chemotherapy, then aldesleukin infusion every 8 hours for up to 12 doses Filgrastim injections to help restore your blood counts Recovery for 1-3 weeks After treatment, participants will: Take an antibiotic and an antiviral for at least 6 months, as applicable If assigned, have pembrolizumab treatment every 3 weeks for 3 more doses. They may have another round.

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

  • Measurable metastatic melanoma with at least one lesion that is resectable for TIL generation.
  • Confirmation of diagnosis of metastatic melanoma by the Laboratory of Pathology of NCI.
  • Patients must have received at least one prior therapy for metastatic melanoma.
  • Patients with 3 or fewer brain metastases that are less than 1 cm in diameter and asymptomatic are eligible. Lesions that have been treated with stereotactic radiosurgery must be clinically stable for 1 month after treatment for the patient to be eligible. Patients with surgically resected brain metastases are eligible.
  • Greater than or equal to 18 years and less than or equal to 72 years.
  • All participants must sign a written informed consent.
  • All participants must be willing to sign a durable power of attorney
  • Clinical performance status of ECOG 0 or 1.
  • Patients of both sexes must be willing to practice birth control from the time of enrollment on this study and for up to four months after treatment.
  • Seronegative for HIV antibody. (The experimental treatment being evaluated in this protocol depends on an intact immune system. Patients who are HIV seropositive can have decreased immune-competence and thus are less responsive to the experimental treatment and more susceptible to its toxicities.)
  • Seronegative for hepatitis B antigen, and seronegative for hepatitis C antibody. If hepatitis C antibody test is positive, then patient must be tested for the presence of antigen by RT-PCR and be HCV RNA negative.
  • Individuals of child-bearing potential must be willing to undergo a pregnancy test prior to the start of treatment because of the potentially dangerous effects of the treatment on the fetus.
  • Individuals of child-bearing potential (IOCBP) must agree to use highly effective contraception (hormonal, intrauterine device \[IUD, abstinence, surgical sterilization starting at the time of study entry, for the duration of study therapy, and 12 months after the last dose of combined chemotherapy Individuals that can father children must agree to use an effective method of contraception (barrier, surgical sterilization, abstinence) for the duration of the study treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of combined chemotherapy. We also will recommend individuals that can father children ask their partners to be on highly effective birth control (hormonal, intrauterine device (IUD), surgical sterilization). NOTE: IOCBP is defined as any female who has experienced menarche and who has not undergone successful surgical sterilization or who is not postmenopausal. NOTE: Certain malignancies may secrete hormones that produce false positive pregnancy tests. Serial blood testing (e.g. HCG measurements) and/ or ultrasound may be performed for clarification. IOCBP must not donate, or retrieve for their own use, ova from the time of study treatment initiation and throughout the study treatment period, and for at least 12 months after the final study drug(s) administration. Individuals that can father children must not freeze or donate sperm for at least 12 months after the final study drug(s) administration.
  • Nursing participants must be willing to discontinue nursing from study treatment initiation through 4 months after the last dose of the study drug(s).
  • Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1000/mm3 without the support of filgrastim
  • WBC greater than or equal to 2500/mm3
  • Platelet count greater than or equal to 800,000/mm3
  • Hemoglobin \> 8.0 g/dl
  • Serum ALT/AST less than or equal to 2.5 times ULN
  • Serum Creatinine less than or equal to 1.6 mg/dl
  • Total bilirubin less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dl, except in patients with Gilbert's Syndrome who must have a total bilirubin less than 3.0 mg/dL.
  • Patients must have completed any prior systemic therapy at the time of enrollment.
  • Patients must demonstrate progressive disease at the time of treatment. (Note: Patients who have received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g. vemurafinib) may be treated if they present with stable disease at the time of treatment).
  • Patients must be co-enrolled in protocol 03-C-0277.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals of child-bearing potential who are pregnant or nursing because of the potentially dangerous effects of the treatment on the fetus or infant.
  • Any form of primary immunodeficiency (such as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease).
  • Concurrent opportunistic infections (The experimental treatment being evaluated in this protocol depends on an intact immune system. Patients who have decreased immune competence may be less responsive to the experimental treatment and more susceptible to its toxicities).
  • Active systemic infections requiring anti-infective treatment, coagulation disorders or any other active major medical illnesses.
  • History of major organ autoimmune disease
  • Concurrent systemic steroid therapy.
  • History of severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to any of the agents used in this study.
  • Grade 3 or 4 major organ Immune-related Adverse Events (IRAEs) clinically attributed to anti PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Previously screened participants that experience these IRAEs after resection for creation of TIL are excluded from Arm 2, but may be eligible for assignment to Arm 3. NOTE: For the purposes of this protocol, thyroid is not considered a major organ.
  • History of coronary revascularization or ischemic symptoms.
  • For select patients with a clinical history prompting cardiac evaluation: last LVEF less than or equal to 45%
  • For select patients with a clinical history prompting pulmonary evaluation: known FEV1 less than or equal to 50%.
  • Patients who are receiving any other investigational agents.

Where

  • Bethesda, Maryland

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 Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 53 participants interested
2% interest

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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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Melanoma Treatment Options in Bethesda, Maryland

If you're searching for Melanoma treatment in Bethesda, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Bethesda 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 Melanoma. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 53 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for 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 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 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: NCT02621021. 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.