Radiation and immunotherapy combo shows promise in small cancer study

NCT ID NCT02987166

Completed Disease control Sponsor: James Larner, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether combining high-dose radiation therapy with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) could boost the immune system's ability to fight advanced solid tumors. Twenty-one patients with various advanced cancers received the combination either at the same time or one after the other. The main goals were to check safety and measure changes in immune cells in tumors and blood.

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 high-dose conformal radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could improve how well immunotherapy works against advanced solid tumors by using radiation to help the immune system attack cancer cells throughout the body.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase pilot study (21 people) focused on safety and immune markers, not on curing cancer. The combination may cause side effects and may not shrink tumors or extend survival.

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.

neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SOLID TUMOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States

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