Tests immunotherapy in melanoma patients with brain spread needing steroids
Tests pembrolizumab or ipilimumab with nivolumab in adults with melanoma spread to the brain.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Melanoma Metastasized to the Brain and Steroids
Key facts
- Where
- Aarhus N, Herlev, and Odense C, DenmarkSee the 3 sites
- Phase
- Phase 2
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults with melanoma that has spread to the brain and who need steroid treatment because of the brain metastases. It tests immunotherapy with pembrolizumab alone or ipilimumab with nivolumab.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Confirmed metastatic melanoma with brain metastasis seen on scans. At least one measurable lesion, disease inside the head that can be evaluated, and performance status 0-2.
- Earlier treatment
- Need for steroid treatment (prednisolone > 10 mg daily or an equivalent dose) because of the brain metastasis. No prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2/CTLA-4 antibody treatment for metastatic disease. Earlier adjuvant treatment with these is allowed only if it ended more than 6 months before joining. For arm E, no earlier BRAF/MEK inhibitor treatment.
- Biomarker or test result
- For arm E only: the tumor cells must have a BRAF mutation.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Another cancer, unless disease-free for 3 years
- Ocular melanoma
- Brain-related neurological symptoms despite steroids, unless due to prior surgery
- HIV or hepatitis infection, acute or chronic
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Where in Denmark
- Aarhus UniversitetAarhus N, DenmarkNo longer taking part
- Region HovedstadenHerlev, DenmarkNo longer taking part
- Odense University HospitalOdense C, DenmarkNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Inge Marie Svane
- Trial code
- NCT03563729EU 2024-516585-11-00
- Record updated
- 13 July 2023
- Original description
This clinical trial is to clarify whether treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor alone (pembrolizumab) or two in combination (ipilimumab and nivolumab), results in clinical benefit for MM patients with brain metastases and in need of steroid treatment. Patients will be treated in four arms depending on steroid dose level at inclusion (> 10 < 25 mg prednisolone or > 25 mg prednisolone) and treatment (pembrolizumab alone or the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab).Read full original descriptionShow less
Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Melanoma Patients With Brain Metastases Treated With Steroids
This clinical trial is to clarify whether treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor alone (pembrolizumab) or two in combination (ipilimumab and nivolumab), results in clinical benefit for MM patients with brain metastases and in need of steroid treatment. Patients will be treated in four arms depending on steroid dose level at inclusion (> 10 < 25 mg prednisolone or > 25 mg prednisolone) and treatment (pembrolizumab alone or the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab).
Inclusion: Histologically confirmed metastatic melanoma with radiologically verified brain metastasis; Need for systemic steroid treatment (prednisolone > 10 mg daily; dexamethasone > 1.6 mg daily, hydrocortisone > 40 mg daily or equivalent) due to brain metastasis; At least one measurable lesion according to RECIST version 1.1 guidelines; Evaluable intracranial disease; 18 years of age or older; Performance status 0-2; Able to undergo MRI with gadolinium contrast agent; Adequate hematological and organ function; No significant toxicity from previous cancer treatments (CTC<1); Women of childbearing potential: Negative serum pregnancy test and must use effective contraception. This applies from screening and until 6 months after treatment. Birth control pills, spiral, depot injection with gestagen, subdermal implantation, hormonal vaginal ring and transdermal depot patch are all considered effective contraceptives; Men with female partner of childbearing potential must use effective contraception from screening and until 6 months after treatment. Effective contraceptives are as described above for the female partner. In addition documented vasectomy and sterility or double barrier contraception are considered effective contraceptives; Signed statement of consent after receiving oral and written study information; Willingness to participate in the planned treatment and follow-up and capable of handling toxicities; For arm E specifically: Tumor cells must harbor BRAF mutation.
Exclusion: Another malignancy or concurrent malignancy unless disease-free for 3 years; Neurological symptoms from brain metastases present at baseline despite steroid treatment, unless symptoms are related to prior surgery; Prior treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2/CTLA-4 antibodies in the metastatic setting; Prior systemic treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2/CTLA-4 antibodies in the adjuvant setting, unless completed more than 6 months before enrolment in this study; Simultaneous treatment with other experimental drugs or other anti-cancer drugs; For arm E specifically: Prior treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors; Known hypersensitivity to one of the active drugs or excipients; Acute or chronic infections with HIV or hepatitis; Any medical condition that will interfere with patient compliance or safety; Ocular melanoma; Pregnant or breastfeeding females.