UCI Health medical oncologist Poorva Vaidya, MD is currently offering a new clinical trial sponsored by the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge, and lead by Warren Chow, MD, aimed at tackling a persistent challenge in melanoma care if patients fail first-line immunotherapy.

This study explores adding a low-dose, daily oral chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide) to standard immunotherapy for patients who have progressed on their initial treatment. Since many patients develop resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors over time, this approach seeks to re-engage the immune system using a familiar drug in a novel, continuous regimen.

While the trial is still in its early stages, and open to further accruals, the team is optimistic about gathering meaningful insights by ASCO 2027 to help expand options for those with limited choices.