Nivolumab Promising for Some Endometrial Cancer Patients

A new study has found that the immunotherapy drug nivolumab (Opdivo) may allow many patients with a specific type of endometrial (uterine) cancer to avoid surgery altogether. Results from the phase 2 NIVEC trial, presented at the 2025 SGO Annual Meeting, show that nivolumab achieved an 80% complete response rate in patients with resectable mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) endometrial cancer. Nivolumab is not yet FDA-approved for this specific cancer type.

Key Points for Patients:

• Most Patients Avoided Surgery: Out of 15 patients treated, 12 had no detectable cancer after immunotherapy. Seven of these patients were able to skip surgery and are being closely monitored, while the others had surgery and were found to be cancer-free.
• No Recurrence Observed: None of the patients who responded to treatment have experienced a return of their cancer during the follow-up period145.
• Mild Side Effects: The treatment was generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects were mild skin rash and changes in thyroid function. Only two patients experienced more serious side effects, but no one had to stop treatment because of them.
• Ongoing Research: The study is now enrolling more patients to confirm these promising results.

What This Means for Patients:

For patients with dMMR or MSI-H endometrial cancer, nivolumab may offer a non-surgical treatment option that can lead to complete cancer remission. This is especially important for those who wish to preserve fertility or avoid the risks of surgery. Patients are encouraged to talk with their care team about whether they may be eligible for immunotherapy and to stay informed about ongoing clinical trials.

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Reference

Lee YJ, Lee YY, Park JY, et al. A phase II study of induction PD-1 blockade (nivolumab) in patients with surgically completely resectable mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer (NIVEC). Presented at: 2025 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer; March 14-17, 2025; Seattle, WA. Abstract 852136.