The approval of PD-1-directed immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is a significant advancement for patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. The results of the KEYNOTE-868/NRG-GY018 trial showed that patients with either mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient or MMR-proficient disease benefited from this immunotherapy-chemotherapy combination. In the trial, the addition of pembrolizumab led to a substantial improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients who received standard chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, the overall survival (OS) data showed a trend favoring the immunotherapy arm in both cohorts.
The approval of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for women with MMR-deficient endometrial cancer provides another treatment option for patients. The DUO-E trial demonstrated that the addition of durvalumab to standard chemotherapy regimen improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with MMR-deficient tumors. Although overall survival (OS) data were immature at the time of analysis, the results suggest important clinical benefits for this patient population.
Both phase III trials, KEYNOTE-868/NRG-GY018 and DUO-E, highlighted the efficacy of combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy in treating primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. While pembrolizumab was effective for both MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient diseases, durvalumab showed significant benefits specifically in patients with MMR-deficient tumors. The trials also reported a higher incidence of adverse events (AEs) in the immunotherapy arms, indicating the need for close monitoring and management of side effects.
The approval of pembrolizumab and durvalumab as new treatment options for endometrial cancer patients marks a significant step forward in improving outcomes for this patient population. These immunotherapy-chemotherapy combinations offer hope for patients with primary advanced or recurrent disease, particularly those with MMR-deficient tumors. Healthcare providers should stay informed about these new treatment options and consider them in the management of endometrial cancer.
The FDA’s approval of pembrolizumab and durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy for endometrial cancer patients signifies a positive development in the field of oncology. These immunotherapy options show promising results in improving progression-free survival (PFS) and have the potential to change the treatment landscape for this type of cancer. Moving forward, further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full potential of immunotherapy in treating endometrial cancer and other types of malignancies.