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
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