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Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in the Treatment of Gynecologic Cancer

  • Gynecologic Oncology (A Fader, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to update readers on recent advancements in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.

Recent Findings

Immunotherapy has emerged as a novel therapeutic paradigm in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors are approved for use across five solid malignancies, with recent approval of pembrolizumab in patients with MMR-deficient, recurrent, solid tumors in a disease site agnostic fashion. Phase 3 clinical trials are being conducted in the gynecologic cancer arena to determine if checkpoint inhibition will improve oncologic outcomes. Positive signals have been identified in ovarian cancer cohorts, both as single agents and in combination with other agents. It is anticipated that immunotherapy will be effective in MMR-deficient endometrial cancers, and trials are in development to explore these agents in the front line. Furthermore, the HPV-driven biology of cervical cancer suggests that immune checkpoint inhibition may lead to clinical benefit.

Summary

Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a dynamic and exciting opportunity for patients with limited therapeutic options. We eagerly await the results of ongoing phase 3 clinical trials that will inform practice patterns. In addition, emphasizing translational end-points informing patient selection and response is critical.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA

    Kristen Anderson MD, PhD & Ramez N. Eskander MD

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  1. Kristen Anderson MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Ramez N. Eskander MD.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest as they relate to the content of this manuscript. Ramez N. Eskander declares compensation for speaking on behalf of Genentech, AZ Oncology, and CLOVIS.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Gynecologic Oncology

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Anderson, K., Eskander, R.N. Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in the Treatment of Gynecologic Cancer. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 7, 6–19 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-018-0231-9

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