What are the current research trends for immune checkpoint inhibitors in Endometrial Cancer?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a type of immunotherapy that helps the immune system attack cancer cells. In endometrial cancer, research is rapidly growing, with a focus on which patients benefit most and how to combine ICIs with other treatments. The short answer: ICIs show promise, especially in tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), and ongoing studies are exploring combinations and biomarkers to expand their use.

What the research says

A bibliometric analysis of publications from 2015 to 2024 identified 829 articles on ICIs in endometrial cancer, with the United States, China, and Italy leading research output ⁸⁹. Key research hotspots include PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, microsatellite instability (MSI), and combination therapies ⁸⁹. The NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune complex, plays a dual role: in MSI-H endometrial tumors, it may promote anti-tumor immune effects, while in microsatellite-stable subtypes it could be pro-tumorigenic ³. This molecular subtype-dependent effect is a major area of investigation. Additionally, a 2026 systematic review highlights that ongoing clinical trials are testing ICIs alone or combined with targeted therapies, chemotherapy, or radiation to improve outcomes ⁹¹⁰. The identification of genetic alterations, such as MSI and somatic mutations, is driving the development of new therapeutic options ¹⁰.

What to ask your doctor

• Should I have my tumor tested for microsatellite instability (MSI) or PD-L1 expression to see if I might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors?
• Are there any clinical trials at this center testing immune checkpoint inhibitors for endometrial cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments?
• How do my tumor's molecular features (like MSI status) affect my treatment options and prognosis?
• What are the potential side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and how are they managed?