Ultrasound boosts cancer drug in tiny trial

NCT ID NCT07501650

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early study tests whether using ultrasound and microbubbles can help the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) work better in people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. Only 6 participants will receive three rounds of treatment. The main goal is to see if the approach is feasible, not yet to measure how well it fights cancer.

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) and Definity (microbubbles)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to make immunotherapy more effective for head and neck cancer by using ultrasound to help the drug reach tumors.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility trial with only 6 people. It is designed to see if the procedure is possible, not to prove it works. There may be side effects from the drug or ultrasound.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER HEAD AND NECK SMALL CELL CARCINOMA METASTATIC HEAD AND NECK CANCER RECURRENT HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

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