Immunotherapy in gynecological cancers: where are we?

Curr Opin Oncol. 2020 Sep;32(5):459-470. doi: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000000661.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This manuscript discusses the clinical evidence on immunotherapy for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer. We report here the results of the clinical trials and present the ongoing trial in this area.

Recent findings: Immunotherapy has become a pillar of cancer treatment improving the prognosis of many patients with a broad variety of solid malignancies. Unfortunately, until recently the progress achieved in some other tumors has not been seen in the majority of patients with gynecological cancer. Except for some subgroups of endometrial cancers the immune checkpoint inhibitors in monotherapy have shown unsatisfactory results. However, several combinations of immunotherapy with other drugs are under investigation and are very promising. It is essential, to develop tools to select the patients who will response best to immunotherapy.

Summary: Combined immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapies are awaited in gynecological cancers and could provide additional benefit.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • B7-H1 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / immunology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / immunology
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD274 protein, human
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor