When Nancy Pinkston’s melanoma crept back, taking up residence in lymph nodes under her right arm, she and her oncologist in Dallas discussed her options.

Surgery is standard of care for her stage III melanoma. About 70% of patients who have surgery for that stage end up having a relapse.

“My oncologist knew about a clinical trial at MD Anderson that might be a good fit,” Nancy says. “She knew Dr. Hussein Tawbi and contacted...