Dr. Saenz on the Need for Ongoing Research Efforts in Cervical Cancer

Cheryl Saenz, MD, gynecologic oncologist, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, University of California (UC) San Diego Health, Moores Cancer Center, discusses the need for ongoing research efforts in cervical cancer.

In locally advanced cervical cancer, there have been minimal improvements since the addition of radiation therapy to cisplatin as a radiation sensitizer to decrease the risk of recurrence, Saenz says. Subsequent clinical trials in this patient population have not shown any benefit, but rather increased adverse effects with investigational approaches, Saenz adds.

In metastatic cervical cancer, the addition of immunotherapy and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to the treatment paradigm has moved the space forward, Saenz continues. However, it is important to more widely expand access to treatment with TILs across more treatment centers, Saenz adds. Investigators are continuing to identify centers that patients may get TILs and be well cared for through the duration of the therapy, Saenz concludes.