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

NCT ID NCT04836429

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States