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NCT06492759 · Emory University

High Dose Radiation Therapy With Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Patients With PD-L1 Positive Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer

What this study is about

This phase II trial tests how well radiation therapy with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel or carboplatin and gemcitabine) works in treating patients with PD-L1 positive triple negative breast cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic).

View original scientific description

This phase II trial tests how well radiation therapy with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel or carboplatin and gemcitabine) works in treating patients with PD-L1 positive triple negative breast cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Nab-paclitaxel is an albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel which may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of paclitaxel. Carboplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that blocks the cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. High dose radiation therapy with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy may effective in treating patients with PD-L1 positive metastatic triple negative breast cancer.

Interventions

RADIATION

Radiation Therapy

Undergo radiation therapy

BIOLOGICAL

Pembrolizumab

Given IV

DRUG

Nab-paclitaxel

Given IV

DRUG

Paclitaxel

Given IV

DRUG

Carboplatin

Given IV

DRUG

Gemcitabine

Given IV

PROCEDURE

Biopsy

Undergo biopsy

PROCEDURE

Computed Tomography

Undergo CT

PROCEDURE

Bone Scan

Undergo bone scan

PROCEDURE

Biospecimen Collection

Undergo blood sample collection

OTHER

Medical Chart Review

Ancillary studies

Primary outcome measures

Progression-free survival (PFS)

Time frame: From start of radiation therapy to progression or death, assessed at 1 year

Progressive disease will be determined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version (v)1.1. PFS will be estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a 95% confidence interval for 1-year PFS will be estimated using the Greenwood formula. The 1-year PFS estimate will be compared to a null value of 30% using a one-sample log-rank test.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Biopsy proven metastatic PD-L1 positive triple negative breast cancer with at least 2 sites of measurable metastatic disease on imaging
  • Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity are defined as ≤ 10% of cells expressing hormonal receptors via immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis
  • HER2 negativity is defined as either of the following by local laboratory assessment
  • In situ hybridization (ISH) non-amplified (ratio of HER2 to CEP17 \< 2.0 or single probe average HER2 gene copy number \< 4 signals/cell) or
  • IHC 0 or IHC 1+. If more than one test result is available and not all results meet the inclusion criterion definition, all results should be discussed with the Medical Monitor to establish eligibility of the patient
  • PD-L1 positive as defined by Dako 22c3 assay PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 10
  • Appropriate stage for study entry based on the following diagnostic workup:
  • History and physical examination within 60 days prior to registration
  • Clinical grade CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with radionuclide bone scan or whole body positron emission tomography (PET)/CT documenting metastatic disease within 4 weeks of the start of radiotherapy on this protocol with or without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as needed, documenting site of metastatic disease to be treated on protocol
  • Patient must be eligible for radiotherapy as determined by their treating physician
  • Patient must be eligible for immunotherapy and taxane chemotherapy as determined by their treating physician
  • At least 1 metastatic site amenable to high dose radiotherapy
  • Be willing and able to provide written informed consent for the trial
  • Ages ≥ 18 years of age
  • Biopsy proven metastatic PD-L1 positive triple negative breast cancer with at least 2 sites of measurable metastatic disease on imaging
  • Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity are defined as ≤ 10% of cells expressing hormonal receptors via immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis
  • HER2 negativity is defined as either of the following by local laboratory assessment
  • In situ hybridization (ISH) non-amplified (ratio of HER2 to CEP17 \< 2.0 or single probe average HER2 gene copy number \< 4 signals/cell) or
  • IHC 0 or IHC 1+. If more than one test result is available and not all results meet the inclusion criterion definition, all results should be discussed with the Medical Monitor to establish eligibility of the patient
  • PD-L1 positive as defined by Dako 22c3 assay PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 10
  • Appropriate stage for study entry based on the following diagnostic workup:
  • History and physical examination within 60 days prior to registration
  • Clinical grade CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with radionuclide bone scan or whole body positron emission tomography (PET)/CT documenting metastatic disease within 4 weeks of the start of radiotherapy on this protocol with or without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as needed, documenting site of metastatic disease to be treated on protocol
  • Patient must be eligible for radiotherapy as determined by their treating physician
  • Patient must be eligible for immunotherapy and taxane chemotherapy as determined by their treating physician
  • At least 1 metastatic site amenable to high dose radiotherapy
  • Be willing and able to provide written informed consent for the trial
  • Ages ≥ 18 years of age
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0-2, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥ 60%
  • Measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST, version 1.1)
  • Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1500/mcL (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment)
  • Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mcL (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment)
  • Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment) (Note: The use of transfusion or other intervention to achieve hemoglobin \[Hgb\] ≥ 9.0g/dL is acceptable)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 x the upper limit of normal (ULN) with the following exceptions (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment): \
  • Patients with documented liver metastases: AST and ALT ≤ 5 x ULN
  • Serum bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment) \
  • Patients with known Gilbert disease who have serum bilirubin level ≤ 3 x ULN may be enrolled
  • Calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min (obtained within 14 days prior to first study treatment)
  • For females of child-bearing potential, negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 14 days prior to radiation simulation
  • The patient or a legally authorized representative must provide study-specific informed consent prior to study entry
  • Prior Treatment:
  • Patients may or may not have received radiotherapy or neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of their initial, non-metastatic breast cancer, but must be entered on study after their last dose of radiotherapy, last cycle of chemotherapy and biologic therapy (if applicable) and have sufficient resolution of side effects per physician assessment at time of radiotherapy. Prior immunotherapy for treatment of early stage breast cancer is allowed if metastatic recurrence occurs ≥ 6 months after last dose of immunotherapy
  • Patients must have not active wound healing issues from surgery and sufficient resolution of surgical side effects, per physician assessment, at time of radiotherapy
  • Patients are not eligible if they have received chemotherapy in the advanced/metastatic setting
  • During radiotherapy, no other investigation or commercial agents or therapy for cancer other than bisphosphonate or receptor activator nuclear kappaB ligand (RANK-L) inhibitor, pembrolizumab, and nab-paclitaxel, paclitaxel, carboplatin or gemcitabine should be administered
  • Patients may have received bisphosphonates or rank ligand inhibitors prior to enrollment on study

Exclusion criteria

  • Prior chemotherapy or targeted therapy for metastatic triple negative breast cancer before start of pembrolizumab plus partner chemotherapy. Prior chemotherapy (including taxanes) administered in the context of curative therapy (if treatment was completed \> 6 months) prior to enrollment into the trial is allowed
  • Previous radiation to the metastases to be treated with radiation on this protocol
  • Untreated central nervous system (CNS) disease (patients with stable CNS disease for at least 28 days and asymptomatic treated CNS metastases are permitted)
  • Uncontrolled pleural effusion, pericardial effusion or ascites \
  • Patients with indwelling catheters (e.g., Pleurx) are allowed
  • Uncontrolled hypercalcemia (\> 1.5 mmol/L ionized calcium or calcium \> 12 mg/dL or corrected serum calcium \> ULN) or symptomatic hypercalcemia requiring continued use of bisphosphonate therapy or denosumab \
  • Patients who are receiving bisphosphonate therapy specifically to prevent skeletal prevents and who do not have a history of clinically significant hypercalcemia are eligible
  • History (Hx) of autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g.., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment
  • Use of chronic systemic glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive medications at time of enrollment (prednisone or equivalent steroid dose of \> 10mg for \> 2 weeks)
  • Prior allogeneic stem cell or solid organ transplantation
  • Severe, active co-morbidity such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or unstable angina within last 6 months, transmural myocardial infarction (MI) within the last 6 months
  • Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring IV antibiotics at time of registration
  • History of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (including pneumonitis), drug-induced pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia (i.e., bronchiolitis obliterans, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia), or evidence of active pneumonitis on screening chest CT scan \
  • History of radiation pneumonitis in the radiation field (fibrosis) is permitted
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization at time of registration
  • HIV positive with CD4 count \< 200 cells/ microliter
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy. Indolent cancers (such as low risk prostate or in-situ cancers) that are not being treated, are acceptable
  • Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator. Examples include:
  • Major surgical procedure within 28 days prior to randomization or anticipation of the need for a major surgical procedure during the course of the study other than for diagnosis
  • Known hypersensitivity to nab-paclitaxel or to any of the excipients
  • Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 90 days after the last dose of trial treatment

Where

  • Atlanta, Georgia

Collaborators

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Related conditions & keywords

Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Carcinoma

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 29 participants interested
3% interest

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A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Atlanta

Georgia

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8 Treatment Options in Atlanta, Georgia

If you're searching for Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8 treatment in Atlanta, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Atlanta and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Georgia
Now Enrolling
Up to 29 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8 Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06492759. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.