The addition of cadonilimab, a PD-1 × CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, to chemotherapy plus bevacizumab has shown improved outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. These findings come from the Phase III COMPASSION-16 trial, highlighting a potential new first-line treatment option for this patient population.
COMPASSION-16 Trial Details
The COMPASSION-16 trial, conducted in China, involved 445 women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive first-line chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, plus either cadonilimab or a placebo. The co-primary endpoints of the study were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Current Treatment Landscape
The current standard-of-care (SOC) first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer includes chemotherapy with a platinum-based agent and paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab. The addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody is also considered for patients with a PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. Cadonilimab offers a new approach by targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4.
Clinical Implications
The results of the COMPASSION-16 trial suggest that cadonilimab could become an important addition to the treatment armamentarium for recurrent cervical cancer. Further studies and regulatory reviews will determine its broader availability and integration into clinical practice.