Review ArticleBeyond Chemotherapy: An Overview and Review of Targeted Therapy in Cervical Cancer

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to provide an overview of current and up and coming targeted therapies in cervical cancer with or without chemotherapy.MethodsWe reviewed the literature using search terms cervical cancer AND immunotherapy, immune therapy, vaccines, bevacizumab, anti-angiogenic therapy, and PARP inhibitors on PubMed. We included all review articles and prospective trials. We also reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov for trials in progress.FindingsThe addition of bevacizumab has improved the overall survival of women with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer when compared with cytotoxic therapy alone. This advancement has sparked an interest in other anti-angiogenic agents. Additionally, targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy, are also being evaluated. Another exciting area of study is the role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition in cervical cancer.ImplicationsThough the results are promising, the data are preliminary and additional studies evaluating the proper combination of therapy, dosing, and schedules will help inform the ideal regimen.