NCT05779423 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Cryoablation+Ipilimumab+Nivolumab in Melanoma
What this study is about
The aim of this study is to find out whether the combination of two approved drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab, in combination with cryoablation are safe and effective for participants who have an unresectable melanoma that is resistant, or is growing, after receiving immunotherapy with a PD-1 inhibitor.
View original scientific description
The aim of this study is to find out whether the combination of two approved drugs, ipilimumab and nivolumab, in combination with cryoablation are safe and effective for participants who have an unresectable melanoma that is resistant, or is growing, after receiving immunotherapy with a PD-1 inhibitor.
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
- Adult patients (age \> 18) with unresectable melanoma who have progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, nivolumab-relatimab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab) and for whom their treating physician plans to initiate dual ICI with ipilimumab and nivolumab. Progression on adjuvant PD-1 inhibition is permitted. PD-1 does not have to be the last therapy received. This is no limited on prior lines of ICI received. There is no wash-out period required from the time of their last therapy.
- Patients are medically eligible for dual checkpoint inhibition (i.e. no untreated/uncontrolled intercurrent medical issue including ongoing immune-related adverse event or need for systemic steroids \>10mg PO prednisone or its equivalent, ECOG PS ≤2) with ipilimumab 3mg/kg and nivolumab 1mg/kg by their treating physician
- Must have a tumor amenable to percutaneous image-guided cryoablation based on routine Interventional Radiology criteria.
- Patients must have measurable disease (by RECIST) independent of the lesion to be ablated. Measurable disease is defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded for non-nodal lesions and short axis for nodal lesions) as ≥20 mm with conventional techniques or as ≥10 mm with spiral CT scan, MRI, or calipers by clinical exam. See Section 11 (Measurement of Effect) for evaluation of measurable disease.
- Prior radiation therapy to any site is allowed; with an exception of the target site for planned cryoablation
- ECOG performance status ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%, see Appendix A)
- Life expectancy of greater than 3 months
- Participants must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below:
- Leukocytes ≥3,000/mcL
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥1,000/mcL
- Platelets ≥75,000/mcL
- Total bilirubin ≤3 institutional upper limit of normal (ULN)
- AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤5 × institutional ULN
- CrCL \> 30 ml/min
- Known Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected participants on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial. (HIV testing not required at screening).
- For participants with known evidence of known chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated. (HBV testing not required at screening).
- Participants with a history of known hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For participants with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load. (HCV testing not required at screening).
- Participants with asymptomatic brain metastases are eligible.
- Participants with new or progressive asymptomatic brain metastases (active brain metastases) or leptomeningeal disease are eligible if the treating physician determines that immediate CNS specific treatment is not required and is unlikely to be required during the first cycle of therapy.
- Participants with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen are eligible for this trial.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Lesion to undergo cryoablation cannot have had prior radiation therapy or other locoregional therapy
- Inability to hold systemic anticoagulation prior to cryoablation (if holding anticoagulation is required by the operator)
- Participants who are receiving an investigational agent(s).
- Participants who are progressing on combination ipilimumab/nivolumab as their last line of therapy
- Participants who have not recovered from adverse events due to prior anti-cancer therapy (i.e., have residual toxicities \> Grade 1)
- Patients with symptomatic brain metastasis or LMD
- Participants on \> 10mg of oral prednisone or its equivalent
- Participants with uncontrolled intercurrent illness.
- Pregnant women are excluded from this study because immune checkpoint inhibitors have the potential for teratogenic or abortifacient effects. Because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the mother with immune checkpoint inhibitors, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 May 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations