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NCT04318717 · Washington University School of Medicine

Pembrolizumab and Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Mucosal Melanoma

What this study is about

This is an where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, single center, one group of participants, non-randomly assigned, phase II study. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combination of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and pembrolizumab on local tumor control in mucosal melanoma patients.

View original scientific description

This is an open-label, single center, one cohort, non-randomized, phase II study. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and pembrolizumab on local tumor control in mucosal melanoma patients. Treatment effect will be compared with historical radiation therapy-alone control data.

Interventions

DRUG

Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab is commercially available

RADIATION

Hypofractionated radiation therapy

It is preferred to leave at least 48 hours between fractions. Daily imaging to verify accurate set-up is mandatory.

Primary outcome measures

Local tumor control rate

Time frame: 1 year after completion of treatment (estimated to be 2 years)

Tumor control rate is defined as the percentage of subjects at 12 months who are free of local recurrence, regional recurrence, distant recurrence, second primary cancer, or death.

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

  • Histologically or cytologically confirmed mucosal melanoma that has undergone surgical resection. Patient must not have received prior radiation therapy within the area of interest.
  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2 (Karnofsky ≥ 70%)
  • Normal bone marrow and organ function as defined below:
  • Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,200/mcL
  • Platelets ≥ 100,000/mcL
  • Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x institutional upper limit of normal (IULN)
  • AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 3.0 x IULN
  • Creatinine clearance \> 30 mL/min by Cockcroft-Gault
  • The effects of pembrolizumab on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason, women of childbearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control, abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and 6 months after last dose of pembrolizumab. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she must inform her treating physician immediately. Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of the study, and 6 months after last dose of pembrolizumab.
  • Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document (or that of legally authorized representative, if applicable).

Exclusion criteria

  • A history of other malignancy with the exception of malignancies for which all treatment was completed at least 2 years before registration and the patient has no evidence of disease.
  • Received radiation therapy within the area of interest.
  • Currently receiving any other investigational agents.
  • Metastatic disease.
  • A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to pembrolizumab or other agents used in the study.
  • Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, or cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of study treatment. The use of up to 10 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent is approved and does not exclude the patient from the trial.
  • Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease modifying agents, \> 10 mg of prednisone per day, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. The use of up to 10 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent is approved and does not exclude the patient from the trial.
  • Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis/Interstitial lung disease that required maintenance steroids (\>10 mg of prednisone) or current pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease.
  • Has received a live vaccine or live-attenuated vaccination within 30 days of planned treatment start. Administration of killed vaccines is allowed.
  • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 14 days of study entry.
  • Patients with HIV are eligible unless their CD4+ T-cell counts are \< 350 cells/mcL or they have a history of AIDS-defining opportunistic infection within the 12 months prior to registration. Concurrent treatment with effective ART according to DHHS treatment guidelines is recommended.

Where

  • St Louis, Missouri

Related conditions & keywords

Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

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 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 20 participants interested
5% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

St Louis

Missouri

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

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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Looking for Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck Treatment in St Louis?

Join others in Missouri exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck Treatment Options in St Louis, Missouri

If you're searching for Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck 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 Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Missouri
Now Enrolling
Up to 20 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck?

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 Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

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 Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck 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: NCT04318717. 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.