Immunotherapy: An Evolving Paradigm in the Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer

Ramez N Eskander,Krishnansu S Tewari

doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.11.010

Ramez N Eskander, Krishnansu S Tewari

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.11.010

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Abstract

PurposeIn 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first targeted agent, bevacizumab, in the treatment of advanced stage, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer. This oncologic milestone has catalyzed interest in the investigation of alternate therapies, including immunotherapy, in an effort to extend life and possibly cure patients with advanced stage disease. MethodsThis review article focuses on the evolving paradigm of immunotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer, describing the biologic basis of this treatment modality and discussing applicable Phase I to II clinical trials. FindingsTo date several trials have been conducted exploring vaccine-based therapies, adoptive T-cell therapy, and immune-modulating agents in patients with cervical cancer with promising results. ImplicationsImmunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic paradigm in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer. Additional investigation is warranted to try and identify alternate immune targets and predictors of response, allowing for the selection of patients most likely to benefit from immune-based treatments.

Highlights

In 2011 an estimated 529,800 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed worldwide, with 275,100 deaths.[1]
In the United States, an estimated 12,360 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2014, with 4020 deaths; it is anticipated that this number will continue to decrease as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates increase and the focus shifts to primary prevention.[2]
Vaccination, and treatment of early-stage disease, a proportion of patients will be diagnosed as having advanced stage, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer

Summary

Methods

This review article focuses on the evolving paradigm of immunotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer, describing the biologic basis of this treatment modality and discussing applicable Phase I to II clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION

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