Can keytruda stop smoldering myeloma in its tracks?

NCT ID NCT02603887

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 20 people with smoldering multiple myeloma at intermediate or high risk of progression. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink the cancer or delay it from becoming active multiple myeloma. Researchers are measuring response rates and how many participants progress after eight cycles of 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)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to delay or prevent smoldering myeloma from turning into active multiple myeloma.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply widely. Pembrolizumab can also cause immune-related side effects.

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.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma smoldering plasma cell myeloma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SMOLDERING PLASMA CELL MYELOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

M D Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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