Can immunotherapy boost chemo for breast cancer? small study investigates

NCT ID NCT02999477

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Adrienne G. Waks Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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