Dr. Arend on Novel Combination Strategies in Gynecologic Cancer

Rebecca C. Arend, MD, assistant professor, UAB School of Medicine, UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses novel combination strategies in gynecologic cancer.

At the forefront, there is bevacizumab (Avastin) or angiogenesis agents, explains Arend. There is potential seen with combining angiogenic-targeting agents and immunotherapy. This class of agents was initially used in combination with chemotherapy or as a single agent. Additionally, cediranib and poziotinib are available for the treatment of gynecologic cancers.

More recently, there were 3 PARP inhibitors approved by the FDA. Many women will respond to PARP inhibitors, but there are some who will not, says Arend. There is going to be a subset of patients who will need both bevacizumab and a PARP inhibitor, but not at the same time. There may be patients who benefit from receiving bevacizumab first followed by a PARP inhibitor, whereas there may be other patients who benefit from getting a PARP inhibitor first, followed by bevacizumab.

Checkpoint inhibitors are the furthest along, according to Arend. Bevacizumab, among other antiangiogenic agents, and PARP inhibitors have promise in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.