Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib combination therapy for advanced endometrial carcinoma

Introduction: Advanced and recurrent endometrial carcinoma remains a difficult diagnosis to treat due to the limited and ineffective available treatment options following platinum and taxane chemotherapy. Patients who are microsatellite stable (MSS) or mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) have even poorer outcomes with fewer effective therapies. Fortunately, recent Phase Ib/II and Phase III trials have demonstrated that combination pembrolizumab and lenvatinib resulted in improved ORR, PFS, and OS than currently used therapies in this setting. Areas covered: In this article, we review the history and notable clinical trials responsible for the advancement and status of treatment options available for advanced endometrial cancer. Most importantly, we review the recently published data on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the combination pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer. Expert opinion: The combination pembrolizumab and lenvatinib is an effective treatment regimen for patients with advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer who are MSS or pMMR who have failed prior platinum-based treatment. This combination should be routinely offered to patients following progression or recurrence of systemic platinum and taxane chemotherapy. Although this regimen is safe and effective, clinicians should be aware of the known toxicities and assess patients regularly to determine if dose modifications or interruptions are indicated.