Keytruda immune response trial aims to unlock cancer clues

NCT ID NCT02644369

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing how the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) changes immune-related genes and biomarkers in people with advanced solid tumors like head and neck cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. Researchers will analyze blood and tumor samples before, during, and after treatment to understand why some patients respond and others do not. The study enrolls 100 adults whose cancer has not responded to standard treatments or for whom no standard therapy exists.

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 successful, this could help doctors predict which patients with advanced cancers are most likely to benefit from pembrolizumab, leading to more personalized treatment.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase study focused on understanding immune markers, not on proving the drug works. The results may not change treatment directly, and pembrolizumab can 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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada

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