Early-Phase Cancer Clinical Trials & Investigational Treatments
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Why choose UCSF Health for phase 1 cancer clinical trials?
UCSF Health is home to one of the largest early-phase (phase 1) cancer clinical trial programs on the West Coast. As an internationally recognized research center, we have the resources and capabilities to conduct studies not available at many other institutions.
Our physician-scientists investigate the newest treatments for many types of cancer, including new medications or innovative combination therapies. Clinical trials may improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with cancer – and our patients are often the first to benefit from these breakthroughs.
Why choose UCSF Health for phase 1 cancer clinical trials?
UCSF Health is home to one of the largest early-phase (phase 1) cancer clinical trial programs on the West Coast. As an internationally recognized research center, we have the resources and capabilities to conduct studies not available at many other institutions.
Our physician-scientists investigate the newest treatments for many types of cancer, including new medications or innovative combination therapies. Clinical trials may improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with cancer – and our patients are often the first to benefit from these breakthroughs.
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Personalized treatments
Many trials investigate treatments that are tailored to the specific characteristics of cancer cells in your body, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies.Extensive range of trials
We conduct trials for many types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, lung and gynecologic cancers.Recognized expertise
Our program is part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, a world-renowned institution for research and patient care.Top accolades
UCSF Health is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for cancer care, according to U.S. News & World Report.
What are phase 1 clinical trials?
Clinical trials evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new tests and treatments. Treatments go through several phases of clinical trials before they're approved by the FDA and available for widespread use. An early-phase clinical trial, or phase 1 trial, is the first time a treatment is tested outside a laboratory in a small group of people.
Phase 1 trials for cancer are typically for advanced (metastatic) cancer, which is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Phase 2, 3 and 4 trials may be appropriate for people with all stages of cancer.
A phase 1 trial for a new treatment helps us determine its:
Safety and potential side effects
Most effective dose
Best delivery method
Learn more about all phases of clinical trials at UCSF Health.
Benefits of early-phase cancer clinical trials
Early-phase trials have several benefits, including:
Access to leading-edge treatments not available elsewhere
An extra level of care with attentive monitoring from the clinical trial team, in addition to your regular care team
More treatment options if you haven't responded to standard therapies
The opportunity to contribute to important research that can help others in the future
Providers
Rahul Aggarwal, MD
Genitourinary Medical Oncology
Varun Monga, MD
Medical Oncology • Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Medical Oncology
Pamela N. Munster, MD
Medical Oncology • Hematology
Susan Mary Calabrese, NP, ANP
Medical Oncology
Excellence in patient care
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
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Related conditions & treatments
FAQs about early-phase cancer clinical trials
Clinical trials
UCSF Biobank for Hereditary Cancers and Tumor-Associated MutationsOpens in a new window
Participant-derived models may include (but are not limited to) xenografts (PDX), organoids (PDO), and cell lines (PDCLs). These models recapitulate the biology and tissue context of the original tumors from which they are derived...Pilot Study of Pancreatic Cancer ScreeningOpens in a new window
Proportion of participants with an abnormal MRI finding will be reported as an event. An estimated event rate of 19% in participants with a strong family history (FH) of pancreatic cancer and 10% in those participants without a st...Pembrolizumab Plus 177Lu-PSMA-617 in Patients With Castration Resistant Prostate CancerOpens in a new window
rPFS is defined as the amount of time from the initiation of study therapy and the day of first documented radiographic disease progression per RECIST version 1.1 and PCWG3 criteria. The proportion of patients without radiographic...177Lu-PSMA-617 and Pembrolizumab in Treating Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This phase Ib trial studies the dose and schedule of 177Lu-PSMA-617 and pembrolizumab in treating patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to other places in the body.First-in-Human Study of STX-478 as Monotherapy and in Combination With Other Antineoplastic Agents in Participants With Advanced Solid TumorsOpens in a new window
Study STX-478-101 (LY4064809) is a multipart, open-label, phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary antitumor activity of STX-478 (LY4064809) in participants with advanced solid tumors with P13Ka mutations.Pembrolizumab for AngiosarcomaOpens in a new window
Safety and tolerability will be reported as the percentage of the first 6 participants (the safety-lead in participants) who received at least one dose of study treatment with any reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs)...Study of HRO761 Alone or in Combination in Cancer Patients With Specific DNA Alterations Called Microsatellite Instability or Mismatch Repair DeficiencyOpens in a new window
Month 36 is assumed to be study end. Incidence and severity of AEs and SAEs by treatment group, including changes in vital signs, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and laboratory results qualifying and reported as AEs.
Accreditations & memberships
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF Health a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
Commission on Cancer
UCSF Health's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world's top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
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Support services
Art for Recovery
Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.
Cancer Support Groups
These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.
Core and More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."