Results from the Phase 2 NIVEC trial suggest that neoadjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo) may offer a highly effective treatment option for patients with stage I to III resectable mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) endometrial cancer.
Among 22 patients treated with nivolumab before surgery, 68.2% achieved a clinical complete response, with no evidence of cancer detected on imaging or biopsy. All evaluable patients experienced a pathological response. Notably, 8 of the 15 patients with a complete response chose to skip surgery and instead undergo close monitoring every three months. No disease recurrences were reported during follow-up.
Patients received nivolumab every four weeks for up to six cycles. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects including skin rash, thyroid disorders, and elevated liver enzymes. Severe side effects were uncommon and successfully managed with steroids.
Researchers concluded that nivolumab could open the door to nonoperative treatment approaches and fertility preservation for selected patients with dMMR endometrial cancer.