Role of immunotherapy in the management of locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer

Abstract

Despite combined therapeutic approaches, there is an unmet clinical need to identify effective strategies for improved patient outcomes in treating locally advanced and metastatic cervical cancer (CC). Immunotherapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach in this disease for which the causative agent, human papillomavirus (HPV), has dynamic, complex immunomodulatory effects. This review explores the biologic rational of immuno-oncology in the treatment of CC and discusses the initial clinical efficacy, ongoing clinical trials, and rationale for combined multimodal treatment approaches for locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic CC. The utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors is explored, including anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), PD-1, and PD-L1. Preliminary data supporting the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy and areas of active drug development for CC are also reviewed.