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.

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.

Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma melanoma neoplasm ovarian carcinoma triple-negative breast carcinoma

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