Treatment of recurrent ovarian germ cell tumours: Is there a role for immune checkpoint inhibitors?

Abstract

Ovarian germ cell tumours predominantly affect young women and have an excellent prognosis. While most contemporary papers concentrate on reducing treatment morbidity and preserving fertility, some women still succumb to refractory or recurrent OGCTs. Despite the significant impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on many tumors, no case of a chemo-resistant ovarian germ cell tumour successfully treated with immunotherapy has been reported. In testicular cancer, only a few cases of partial response or stable disease to ICIs have been described. PD-L1 expression does not predict response, but microsatellite instability status may serve as a potential biomarker. MSI testing should be performed on a recurrent tumour sample as MSI status may evolve during treatment.