Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cervical Cancer: From Preclinical to Clinical Data

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the recognized cause of almost all cervical cancers. Despite the reduction in incidence due to a wide use of screening programs and a specific vaccine, the prognosis of cervical cancer remains poor, especially for late-stage and relapsed disease. Considering t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Simona Duranti, Antonella Pietragalla, Gennaro Daniele, Camilla Nero, Francesca Ciccarone, Giovanni Scambia, Domenica Lorusso
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
Series:Cancers
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/9/2089
Description
Summary:Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the recognized cause of almost all cervical cancers. Despite the reduction in incidence due to a wide use of screening programs and a specific vaccine, the prognosis of cervical cancer remains poor, especially for late-stage and relapsed disease. Considering the elevated rates of PD-L1 expression in up to 80% of cervical cancers, a strong rationale supports the use of immunotherapy to restore the immune response against tumor. The aim of this review is to analyze the possible role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cervical cancer treatment, with a particular focus on the rationale and on the results of phase I and II clinical trials. An overview of ongoing phase III studies with possible future areas of development is also provided.
ISSN:2072-6694