Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in advanced endometrial cancer: case report and systematic review of lung toxicity

Abstract

Background: The optimal strategy for the treatment of recurrent and/or advanced endometrial cancer is still undefined. Recently, despite the lack of any predictive biomarker, the combination of pembrolizumab with lenvatinib has improved survival outcomes. We here report the long-term management of lung toxicity in a patient with endometrial cancer, and we critically review the current therapeutic options for this disease.

Results: A patient with heavily pretreated endometrial cancer took pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib for 1 year, achieving a persistent partial response with a time to treatment failure of 18 months, despite relevant lung toxicity that did not affect the remarkable overall clinical benefit. A systematic review of this combination underlines the efficacy outcome despite toxicity. Interestingly, the literature review on lung toxicity suggested the role of anti-angiogenetic agents in the pathogenesis of lung cavitation, probably related to direct treatment activity, and disclosed a potential radiological sign predictive of the activity of anti-angiogenetic agents.

Conclusion: We underline the efficacy of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in the current treatment landscape of endometrial cancer, underscoring the relevance of a correct management of toxicity.

Keywords: advanced endometrial cancer; immunotherapy; lenvatinib; lung toxicity; pembrolizumab; targeted therapy.