Dr. Makker Discusses Immunogenicity in Endometrial Cancer

Vicky Makker, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses immunogenicity in endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer is a heterogeneous disease with various molecular phenotypes. Some of these subtypes are immunogenic, and are more likely to respond to immunotherapy agents. Makker says that this is due to the genetic instability of some endometrial tumors, which can make them more likely to respond to agents like pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

There have been studies that have investigated immunotherapy agents in patients with endometrial cancer, including pembrolizumab. Although the responses have been modest, there is a signal of activity. These studies have been in an unselected population, Makker noted. Phase Ib/II results of the combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib (Lenvima) in patients with endometrial cancer showed that there was activity, regardless of microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficient status. The objective response rate was 39.6% (21/53) and a median progression-free survival of 7.4 months (95% CI, 5.0—not estimable).