Laser and immunotherapy combo takes on recurrent brain tumors
NCT ID NCT03277638
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a combination of laser heat therapy (LITT) and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab in 32 adults with recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The laser heats and destroys hard-to-reach tumors, while pembrolizumab helps the immune system fight cancer cells. Researchers aim to find the best timing for the two treatments and measure tumor response and survival.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) and Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy (a laser heat procedure)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for recurrent glioblastoma, potentially improving tumor control and extending survival.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 32 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug is experimental for this use, and side effects from both the procedure and immunotherapy can be serious.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
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