Radiation and immunotherapy combo shows promise in small cancer study
NCT ID NCT02987166
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.
Disclaimer
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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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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States