Dr Franco on the Integration of Immunotherapy Treatment in Endometrial Cancer

Idalid Franco, MD, MPH, director, Equity Access and Inclusion, Department of Radiation, instructor, Harvard Medical School, Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discusses the key takeaways of The Radiation Oncology Summit: ACRO 2024, highlighting the potential utility of integrating radiation therapy and immunomodulatory agents into the endometrial cancer treatment paradigm.

This year's thematic focus at the 2024 ACRO Summit, "Waves of Change," prompts a thorough examination of the dynamic shifts within the treatment paradigm of endometrial cancer, particularly in recent years, Franco begins. Delving into these changes, the aim is to dissect their implications for oncology communities and patients and foster discussions about evolving treatment paradigms for physicians, residents, and medical students alike, she explains. A central point of interest lies in the integration of immunotherapy into the endometrial cancer treatment armamentarium. Oncologists are particularly interested in identifying molecular biomarkers that can help stratify patients based on their risk of recurrence, especially within the critical 5-year post-diagnosis period, Franco says. Additionally, oncologists aim to explore the latest immunotherapy trials targeting advanced stages of endometrial cancer, seeking to unlock new avenues for improved therapeutic outcomes, she emphasizes.

However, amidst these advancements, there is a notable gap in the synergy between immunotherapy and radiation oncology, Franco continues. This gap raises questions about the optimal sequencing and integration of radiation therapy, particularly in cases of persistent or recurrent endometrial cancer where patients may already be receiving chemotherapy, as well as immunotherapy agents such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda), she elucidates. Addressing this gap is crucial for enhancing patient care and treatment efficacy, according to Franco. By bridging the divide between immunotherapy and radiation oncology, oncologists can optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with endometrial cancer, Franco says. This journey toward integration and optimization is not without challenges, but it holds immense promise for reshaping endometrial cancer management and advancing toward more personalized and effective care approaches, Franco concludes.