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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Investigational therapies for squamous cell lung cancer: from animal studies to phase II trials
Elaine Shum1, Feng Wang1, Salem Kim1
1a Department of Oncology , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA.
Introduction:
It remains challenging to treat squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) with limited therapeutic options. However, recent breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have shed some light on the management of this deadly disease. Areas covered: The article first reviews the current treatment options for advanced SCC, especially recent FDA approved molecular agents (afatinib, ramucirumab and necitumumab) and immunotherapies (nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolimumab). We then provide an overview on investigational therapies with data ranging from preclinical to phase II studies, focusing on new cytotoxic agents, emerging molecularly targeted agents (including a PARP inhibitor for Homologous Recombinant Deficiency positive SCC) and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Expert opinion summary: Identification of potential therapeutic targets, development of novel clinical trials and the rapid approvals of immune checkpoint inhibitors have shifted the management paradigm for squamous cell lung cancer. On the other hand, continued efforts are needed to identify the predictive biomarkers and to investigate novel mechanistically-driven mono- and combination therapies. We need to learn more about the biology behind immune checkpoint blockade and tumor genomics in SCC for better patient selection and future trial design.
Insights
Treating squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) is challenging, but new targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer hope. Research is exploring novel agents and strategies to improve outcomes for advanced SCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) presents significant treatment challenges with limited options.
- Recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are transforming SCC management.
- FDA-approved agents like afatinib, ramucirumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) represent key progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and investigational treatments for advanced squamous cell lung cancer.
- To highlight recent FDA-approved molecular agents and immunotherapies.
- To explore emerging cytotoxic agents, targeted therapies, and novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment options for advanced SCC.
- Analysis of FDA-approved molecular agents and immunotherapies.
- Overview of investigational therapies from preclinical to Phase II studies.
Main Results:
- Current treatments include afatinib, ramucirumab, necitumumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab.
- Investigational therapies include new cytotoxic agents, targeted agents (e.g., PARP inhibitors for HRD+ SCC), and novel immunotherapies.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly altered the SCC treatment landscape.
Conclusions:
- The management paradigm for SCC has shifted due to new targets, trials, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Further research is crucial for identifying predictive biomarkers and developing novel combination therapies.
- Understanding SCC biology, tumor genomics, and immune checkpoint blockade is essential for optimizing patient selection and trial design.
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