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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States