Recurrent cervical cancer after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), particularly in-field recurrence, is associated with poor prognosis and limited curative options. The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy combined with chemotherapy in this setting remains unclear. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with in-field recurrent cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) following definitive CCRT. The recurrent tumor was PD-L1 positive (combined positive score (CPS) ≥1). She received combination therapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab. Marked tumor regression was observed, and the triplet regimen was continued for 16 cycles due to ongoing clinical benefit, followed by pembrolizumab monotherapy for a total of 35 cycles. The patient maintained good performance status, without severe adverse events, and remains recurrence-free 10 months after treatment completion. Pembrolizumab combined with TC (paclitaxel-carboplatin) therapy may be an effective treatment option for selected patients with unresectable in-field recurrent cervical cancer. Further evidence is required to clarify the optimal duration of combination therapy and the timing of transition to immune checkpoint inhibitor maintenance.
Shirane et al. (2026) studied this question.