Can immunotherapy boost chemo for breast cancer? small study investigates
NCT ID NCT02999477
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a combination of chemotherapy (Nab-Paclitaxel) and immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab) in 32 women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer before surgery. The main goal was to see how the treatment changed a biomarker called PD-L1 in tumor samples. Researchers also looked at immune cell levels and whether the tumor disappeared completely 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
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nab-Paclitaxel (Abraxane)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help identify which patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer might benefit from adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small pilot study with only 32 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The primary focus is on biomarker changes, not direct treatment benefit.
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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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States