Induction Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy Followed by Pembrolizumab Before Chemoradiation and Pembrolizumab Maintenance Compared to Standard Chemoradiation With Pembrolizumab Followed by Pembrolizumab Maintenance in High-Risk Cervical Cancer

This phase III trial compares the addition of induction chemotherapy, with carboplatin, paclitaxel and pembrolizumab, to chemotherapy and radiation, with cisplatin and pembrolizumab followed by pembrolizumab maintenance for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced). Carboplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works in a way similar to the anticancer drug cisplatin, but may be better tolerated than cisplatin. Carboplatin works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Cisplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Adding induction chemotherapy to the usual treatment of chemotherapy and radiation followed by maintenance may be more effective in treating patients with high risk, locally advanced cervical cancer.