Plain-English translation of NCT02977468 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.
This trial is testing pembrolizumab, an immune-boosting medication, in people with newly diagnosed triple-negative breast cancer. The goal is to see if the medication can help prepare the body's immune system to fight cancer before surgery. Researchers will examine how the medication changes the cancer tissue and surrounding healthy breast tissue.
Triple-negative breast cancer is a particularly aggressive form that doesn't respond to some common hormone-based treatments. This trial is exploring whether boosting the immune system before surgery could help the body better recognize and fight cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
You will receive the medication through an IV (intravenous infusion) one or two times before your breast cancer surgery. During surgery, doctors will remove the tumor and use a specialized radiation device to deliver targeted radiation to the area where the tumor was removed. The trial also involves researchers examining tissue samples taken during surgery to understand how the medication affected your cancer and healthy breast tissue.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States