Open Access

REVIEW

Cellular Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer: Next Therapeutics Frontiers

Danning Zhao, Qin Liu^*

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, the First People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, China

* Corresponding Author: Qin Liu. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advancing Cellular Therapeutics in Oncology: Innovations, Challenges, and Clinical Translation)

Oncology Research 2026, 34(9), 9 https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2026.084736

Received 28 April 2026; Accepted 04 June 2026; Issue published 13 August 2026

Abstract

Cervical cancer, particularly its advanced stages, requires novel therapeutic paradigms. Cellular immunotherapy exploits the constitutive expression of HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins as near-ideal tumor-specific antigens. This review systematically evaluates four principal platforms under investigation: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), TCR-engineered T cells, CAR-T cells, and CAR-NK cells. We critically analyze the preclinical rationale, clinical trial landscape, safety considerations, and manufacturing challenges for each modality. TIL therapy has achieved durable complete responses and an FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation. TCR-T cells enable precise targeting of intracellular viral epitopes but are HLA-restricted. CAR-T cells offer potent, MHC-independent recognition, yet face on-target/off-tumor toxicity and a suppressive tumor microenvironment. CAR-NK cells present a favorable safety profile and off-the-shelf potential. We conclude that the future of this field lies in rational combination strategies (e.g., with immune checkpoint blockade) and next-generation engineering (e.g., armored CARs, logic gates, allogeneic platforms) to overcome manufacturing complexity, toxicity, and high costs. Overcoming these barriers is essential to extend these therapies to resource-limited settings where the burden of cervical cancer is highest.

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Keywords

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