Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Camrelizumab Shows Promise for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Background

Locally advanced cervical cancer accounts for approximately 37% of cervical cancer cases globally and is associated with a poor prognosis due to limited treatment options. The integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting offers a promising avenue to address these challenges.

Methods

This single-arm, phase 2 trial was conducted across eight tertiary hospitals in China. Eligible patients, aged 18–70 years with untreated cervical cancer, underwent one cycle of priming doublet chemotherapy followed by two cycles of a combination of chemotherapy and camrelizumab. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate, assessed by an independent central reviewer.

Findings

Between December 1, 2020, and February 10, 2023, 85 patients were enrolled, all of whom received at least one dose of camrelizumab. The median follow-up was 11.0 months, with an objective response noted in 98% of patients. The most common grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were lymphopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia. No serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths occurred.

Interpretation

The study concludes that neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy exhibits promising antitumour activity and a manageable adverse event profile in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. This approach, combined with radical surgery, could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for this challenging condition.

Funding

The research was supported by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China and the National Clinical Research Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology.