Update on the anti-programmed cell death-1 receptor antibodies in advanced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma

Regarding the rising incidence and the not negligible mortality, the treatment of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) has a high clinical relevance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), especially anti-programmed cell death-1 receptor (anti-PD-1) antibodies such as pembrolizumab and cemiplimab have shown promising results in Phase 2 studies for patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic cSCC. We are presenting a review of the latest results in the treatment of cSCC with ICI. Patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC have been treated with cemiplimab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. For locally advanced cSCC, an objective response was observed in 44% of patients, 13% patients with a complete response, and 31% with a partial response. For metastatic patients, the overall response rate was 49.2%. The approved dose for cemiplimab in the United States and Europe is 350 mg every 3 weeks. These ICI seem to achieve higher response rates compared with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, with a durable response superior to both chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors. The side effect profile of anti-PD-1 antibodies appears to be favorable compared to chemotherapy. In this way, PD-1 inhibitors are expected to become the new gold-standard treatment for patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCC.