New MRI technique aims to solve brain tumor treatment mystery

NCT ID NCT03347617

Terminated Diagnosis Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a special MRI using ferumoxytol (an iron-based contrast agent) can better distinguish true tumor growth from treatment-related inflammation (pseudoprogression) in people with glioblastoma receiving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The study enrolled 52 newly diagnosed patients. The goal was to improve how doctors assess treatment response, potentially avoiding unnecessary treatment changes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and ferumoxytol (Feraheme)
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging method could help doctors more accurately tell whether a glioblastoma is growing or just reacting to treatment, avoiding unnecessary changes in therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study that was terminated early, so results are limited. The imaging technique may not prove reliable enough for routine use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glioblastoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

GLIOBLASTOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

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