Immunotherapy drug cemiplimab takes on aggressive breast cancer in new trial

NCT ID NCT04243616

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab (Libtayo) to standard chemotherapy can eliminate more cancer before surgery in people with high-risk or locally advanced breast cancer. The study enrolls 36 participants with either hormone receptor-positive or triple-negative breast cancer that expresses PD-L1. The main goal is to see how many achieve a pathological complete response—meaning no cancer remains in the breast or lymph nodes after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cemiplimab (Libtayo) plus chemotherapy (paclitaxel, carboplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective pre-surgery treatment for aggressive breast cancers, potentially improving long-term outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 36 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The added immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hormone receptor-positive breast cancer invasive breast carcinoma triple-negative breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States