Using blood tests to predict side effects and benefits of pembrolizumab in early stage triple negative breast cancer

Serum biomarkers to predict immune related adverse events and benefit from single agent pembrolizumab therapy in early stage triple negative breast cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS · NIH-11002002

This study is looking at how certain blood markers can help doctors understand which patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer might have a tough time or do well with a treatment called pembrolizumab, using blood samples to find clues for better, personalized care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TEMPE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11002002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific blood markers can help predict which patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer will experience adverse effects or benefit from treatment with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. By analyzing over 3,000 serum samples from nearly 1,200 patients, the study aims to identify auto-antibodies that could serve as reliable predictors of treatment outcomes. The approach focuses on utilizing easily accessible blood samples to measure immune responses, potentially leading to better personalized treatment strategies. Collaboration among experts in immunoproteomics and breast cancer will enhance the study's effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early stage triple negative breast cancer who are considering or undergoing treatment with pembrolizumab.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those not receiving pembrolizumab therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient selection for pembrolizumab therapy, minimizing adverse effects and maximizing treatment benefits.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using serum biomarkers to predict treatment responses in cancer therapies, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

TEMPE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.