Can sound waves boost immunotherapy in breast cancer?
NCT ID NCT03237572
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tested combining high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 13 people with metastatic breast cancer. The goal was to see if the ultrasound could help the immune system better recognize and attack tumors. The trial was terminated early, so the findings are limited.
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 high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
What this could lead to
If this approach works, it could point toward a way to make immunotherapy more effective for hard-to-treat metastatic breast cancer.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The combination may not improve outcomes or could cause added side effects.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States