Journal of Oncology Research and Treatment
Open Access

Endometrial cancer, a cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus, is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. While surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have traditionally been the primary treatment modalities, recent advances in cancer research have guided in a new era of treatment options. Among these breakthroughs, immunotherapy and targeted therapies have emerged as encouraging method for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for endometrial cancer patients. Before examine into the field of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, it's crucial to grab the fundamentals of endometrial cancer. The endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, undergoes cyclical changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. However, when cells in this tissue begin to grow uncontrollably, it can lead to the development of endometrial cancer. Historically, the treatment landscape for endometrial cancer revolved around surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery involves the removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues, often supplemented by lymph node dissection. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. These approaches have been effective to some extent, but they also come with significant side effects and limitations. An important paradigm change in cancer treatment is immunotherapy. Instead of directly attacking cancer cells, it harnesses the power of the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. One of the most potential immunotherapy approaches for endometrial cancer is immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block certain proteins on the surface of immune cells or cancer cells. By inhibiting these proteins, known as checkpoints, the immune system can be "forming" to attack cancer cells more effectively. Two checkpoint proteins commonly targeted in immunotherapy are programed death-1 (PD-1) and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PDL1). Clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy can be effective in treating a subset of endometrial cancer patients, particularly those with certain genetic mutations or Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) tumors. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are two immune checkpoint inhibitors that have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of MSI-H endometrial cancer. In addition to immunotherapy, targeted therapies have gained traction as a personalized approach to treating endometrial cancer. Targeted therapies are designed to specifically interfere with the molecules and pathways involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. One of the key players in endometrial cancer is the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is frequently mutated in this cancer type. Targeting this pathway with drugs like alpelisib has shown potential in clinical trials. Another targeted therapy approach involves angiogenesis inhibitors, such as bevacizumab. Angiogenesis is the process of developing new blood vessels, which is crucial for cancer growth. Bevacizumab inhibits the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, thereby starving them of the nutrients they need to thrive. Additionally, hormonal therapies are utilized for endometrial cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors. Drugs like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors can block the effects of estrogen, which fuels the growth of hormone receptor-positive endometrial cancers. The future of endometrial cancer treatment likely lies in combining various treatment modalities. Combinations of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, for example, have shown potential for improved outcomes. A notable example is the combination of pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) and lenvatinib (a targeted therapy) in advanced endometrial cancer. This combination has demonstrated significant benefits in terms of both progression-free survival and overall survival, leading to its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. While immunotherapy and targeted therapies offer exciting prospects for endometrial cancer patients, challenges persist. Not all patients respond to these treatments, and identifying predictive biomarkers to guide treatment decisions remains an ongoing challenge. Additionally, the cost of these therapies and potential side effects must be carefully considered. Immunotherapy can lead to immune-related adverse events, which can affect various organs and systems. It's essential for patients to have access to comprehensive care and monitoring while undergoing these treatments. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have ushered in a new additional chance for endometrial cancer patients. As research continues to untangle the complexities of this disease, personalized treatment approaches will become increasingly common. Clinical trials and collaborative research efforts are essential in advancing our understanding of endometrial cancer and improving treatment options.

Patients should work closely with their healthcare teams to explore the most suitable treatment plan based on their individual circumstances, genetic makeup, and the latest advancements in medical science. In conclusion, immunotherapy and targeted therapies represent a promising frontier in the battle against endometrial cancer. These innovative approaches offer renewed optimism for patients and highlight the potential for more effective and less toxic treatments in the future. As research progresses, the treatment landscape for endometrial cancer continues to evolve, bringing us closer to more precise, personalized, and ultimately successful interventions for this disease.