Article Text
Abstract
Background and importance Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. This type of cancer is most often found in areas which have been exposed to sunlight, such as the neck, head and arms, although it can occur anywhere on the body. The high prevalence and the scarcity of treatments make new treatments necessary.
Aim and objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of cemiplimab in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.
Material and methods This was a retrospective observational study from January to August 2020 (8 months). The following variables were collected: sex, age, race, previous treatment, area, size, duration until response and stage. Effectiveness was measured by means of the Breslow index, Clark level and images from computerised axial tomography (TAC). Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse drug reactions.
Results Outcomes were measured for seven patients (all men), with a mean age of 76.8 years and of Caucasian race. Previous treatments were: radiotherapy (50%) and surgery (50%). The average size of the carcinoma was 2.45 cm and stages II (57.2%), III (28.52%) and IV (14.28%). In terms of effectiveness, the Breslow index and Clark levels decreased by 57.14% and there was an improvement in CT images and in symptoms. In terms of safety, the appearance of diarrhoea in one patient was noteworthy.
Conclusion and relevance According to our results, it is possible to consider cemiplimab as an alternative treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. We believe that further studies are necessary to determine effectiveness.
References and/or acknowledgements
Migden MR, Rischin D, Schmults CD, et al. PD-1 Blockade with cemiplimab in advanced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med (Internet) 2018;379:341–51 (available from: http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1805131).
Conflict of interest No conflict of interest