New developments in the treatment of cervical cancer in 2026

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries because of limited access to human papillomavirus vaccination and screening. While early-stage disease can often be cured with surgery or chemoradiotherapy, the advanced or recurrent cervical cancer continues to have a poor prognosis.

Significant advances are transforming its treatment landscape. The addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy has improved survival, and immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and cemiplimab have shown significant benefits in both first- and later-line settings. In locally advanced disease, pembrolizumab combined with chemoradiotherapy (KEYNOTE-018) demonstrated unprecedented survival outcomes, leading to regulatory approval. Antibody-drug conjugates, particularly tisotumab vedotin, have also emerged as promising options for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, with ongoing studies exploring targets such as Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), trophoblast cellsurface antigen 2 (TROP-2), mesothelin, and nectin-4.

These developments reflect a shift toward precision medicine that integrates immunotherapy, antiangiogenic, and targeted agents; however, challenges persist in optimizing treatment sequences, overcoming resistance, and identifying biomarkers to personalize care. Addressing global disparities in prevention and treatment access remains essential to achieving the WHO's goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.