Radiation boost may supercharge immunotherapy in breast cancer
NCT ID NCT04454528
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether adding a single, focused dose of radiation before surgery can make the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab work better in people with early-stage breast cancer. About 27 participants will receive both treatments, then have surgery to see if the tumor shrinks more than expected. Researchers will also check blood and tissue samples for signs of a stronger immune attack on the 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 (immunotherapy) and hypofractionated radiotherapy (radiation boost)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could shrink breast tumors before surgery and possibly improve long-term outcomes by harnessing the immune system.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 27 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may cause side effects or not improve response enough to change 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
-
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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