Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of cervical cancer, particularly in advanced stages where traditional treatments may have limited effectiveness.
Step 1: Key Evidence Supporting Immunotherapy:
1. Checkpoint Inhibitors: Studies have demonstrated that checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, can enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells by blocking inhibitory signals. These drugs have been shown to improve progression-free survival in cervical cancer patients.
2. Combination Therapies: Combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy or radiation has shown increased efficacy in some cases, leading to better tumor response rates and survival outcomes.
3. FDA Approval: Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for use in cervical cancer patients with PD-L1 positive tumors who have progressed after chemotherapy, providing further evidence for the role of immunotherapy in the management of this disease.