Cancer-Killing virus plus immunotherapy shows promise in tough breast cancers

NCT ID NCT03802604

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early study tested a combination of a modified herpes virus (T-VEC) and an immunotherapy drug (atezolizumab) in 28 women with aggressive breast cancer that did not fully disappear after standard chemotherapy. The virus was injected directly into tumors to kill cancer cells and spark an immune response, while the drug helped the immune system attack more effectively. The goal was to see if this combo could further reduce or eliminate remaining cancer before surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Talimogene laherparepvec (a modified herpes virus) and atezolizumab (an immunotherapy drug)

What this could lead to

If it works, this combination could help shrink or eliminate remaining breast cancer after standard chemotherapy, potentially reducing the risk of recurrence.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small study (28 participants) with no control group, so results are preliminary. The virus injection and immunotherapy can cause side effects like flu-like symptoms or immune reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BREAST CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm luminal B breast carcinoma triple-negative breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal

    Madrid, Madrid, 28050, Spain

  • Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

    Barcelona, 08036, Spain

  • Hospital Clínico universitario de Valencia

    Valencia, Valencia, 46010, Spain

  • Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón

    Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain