T cell immunotherapy prompted a striking response from three out of nine women with advanced cervical cancer, including one who had extensive metastases, according to new data from the National Cancer Institute. This could offer an alternative treatment option for women with few choices remaining.

The study was just presented during the American College of Clinical Oncology meeting, which will be coming to a close today in Chicago.

Researchers targeted and removed T cells from patients' tumors to cococt the immunotherapy, which recognizes two proteins, E6 and E7, both linked to HPV and subsequent cervical cancer. The immunotherapy is developed in the lab and then introduced to the patient to hunt down and treat tumors expressing those proteins.

One of the responders to treatment experienced 40 percent shrinkage of their tumor, although for a limited time, and two patients have enjoyed long-term, complete remission.