Light therapy boosts immune attack on lung cancer? early trial halted

NCT ID NCT04836429

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Roswell Park Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tested whether a light-activated drug (photodynamic therapy) could help immunotherapy work better in patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to the lining of the lung or with mesothelioma. Only 5 people took part, and the study was stopped early. The main goal was to check safety, not effectiveness.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Porfimer sodium (a light-activated drug used in photodynamic therapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this approach could make immunotherapy more effective for certain lung cancers and mesothelioma, potentially slowing disease progression.
What could go wrong: This was a very early, small phase 1 trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The combination may cause serious side effects, and it is unclear if it will benefit patients.

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.

malignant pleural mesothelioma non-small cell lung carcinoma pleural disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUNG NON-SMALL CELL CARCINOMA PLEURAL DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States

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