Immunotherapy boosts chemo in ovarian cancer fight

NCT ID NCT02520154

First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase II trial investigates whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) improves outcomes for people with advanced stage III-IV ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. The study aims to see if the combination is feasible, safe, and can delay cancer progression. Participants receive the drugs before and after surgery, followed by maintenance pembrolizumab.

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) combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new, more effective first-line treatment for advanced ovarian cancer, potentially extending the time before the disease worsens.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study, so results may not apply to all patients. The combination may cause more side effects than chemotherapy alone, and it is not yet proven to be better than standard care.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • MD Anderson League City

    Nassau Bay, Texas, 77058, United States

  • MD Anderson in Katy

    Houston, Texas, 77094, United States

  • MD Anderson in Sugar Land

    Sugar Land, Texas, 77478, United States

  • MD Anderson in The Woodlands

    The Woodlands, Texas, 77384, United States

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