Clinical Report: PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors and Chemotherapy for Endometrial Cancer

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer. The findings indicate significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Background

Endometrial cancer is a significant global health issue, with rising incidence rates and suboptimal outcomes from current standard therapies. The integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, represents a promising advancement in treatment strategies for this malignancy, especially in specific molecular subtypes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors significantly prolonged median overall survival (43.7 vs. 29.1 months).
• Median progression-free survival was also significantly improved (14.6 vs. 10.2 months).
• Complete response rates showed a relative risk of 1.60 (95% CI: 1.25–2.05).
• Stable disease rates had a relative risk of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.54–0.86).
• The most common treatment-related adverse events included fatigue, alopecia, and nausea.
• Significant OS benefit was observed in dMMR tumors, while pMMR tumors showed PFS benefit without OS benefit.

Clinical Implications

The findings support the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment option for advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer. Clinicians should consider the molecular subtype of the tumor when evaluating treatment strategies.

Conclusion

The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy offers a significant survival advantage for patients with advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- PD-1 inhibitor combined with chemoradiotherapy in two cases of ovarian cancer brain metastases: a case report
2. Springer, 2024 -- A Review of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Early and Intermediate Stages of Colorectal Cancer with High and Stable Microsatellite Instability
3. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Survival With Dual CTLA-4 and PD-L1/PD-1 Blockade in Advanced NSCLC
4. FDA, 2024 -- FDA approves durvalumab with chemotherapy for mismatch repair deficient primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer
5. FDA, 2024 -- FDA approves pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma
6. The ASCO Post — Anti–PD-1 Contenders in Advanced Urothelial Cancer
7. FDA approves durvalumab with chemotherapy for mismatch repair deficient primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer | FDA
8. FDA approves pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma | FDA
9. Survival Benefit Emerges With Use of Dostarlimab-gxly Plus Chemotherapy in Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer - The ASCO Post
10. Durvalumab Plus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel Followed by Maintenance Durvalumab With or Without Olaparib as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Endometrial Cancer: The Phase III DUO-E Trial - PMC
11. Recurrent or Advanced Endometrial Cancer Atezolizumab Plus Chemotherapy - The ASCO Post
12. Incorporation of anti-PD1 or anti PD-L1 agents to platinum-based chemotherapy for the primary treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. A meta-analysis - ScienceDirect