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.
Disclaimer
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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 Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States