Phase III Study Comparing Induction Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiation and Pembrolizumab Versus Chemoradiation and Pembrolizumab Alone for High-Risk Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating treatments for patients with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes. This Phase III trial compares adding induction chemotherapy with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab before standard chemotherapy, radiation, and pembrolizumab maintenance against the standard treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and pembrolizumab maintenance alone. The study aims to investigate whether this induction approach improves progression-free survival and overall survival, while assessing treatment toxicity and biomarker effects. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the standard care group, patients receive weekly cisplatin and pembrolizumab every three weeks alongside daily radiation therapy for 5 weeks, followed by brachytherapy for 4 to 5 treatments, and then pembrolizumab maintenance every six weeks for up to 15 cycles. In the experimental group, patients first receive induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel weekly for 3 weeks, plus pembrolizumab every three weeks for 2 cycles, then receive the same chemoradiation and pembrolizumab maintenance schedule, with radiation delivered in weeks 7 to 13. Treatment is given unless disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. Throughout the trial, participants undergo imaging scans including PET, CT, chest x-ray, and MRI, along with blood sample collection to monitor disease and biomarkers. After completing treatment, patients are followed every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for up to 3 more years. Researchers measure progression-free survival as the primary outcome and assess overall survival, adverse events, treatment completion, biomarker levels, and radiation quality. Safety and treatment effects are closely monitored during the study period lasting several years.

Induction Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy Followed by Pembrolizumab Before Chemoradiation and Pembrolizumab Maintenance Compared to Standard Chemoradiation With Pembrolizumab Followed by Pembrolizumab Maintenance in High-Risk Cervical Cancer