Management of partial and non-responding cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common skin cancer.
• Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors like cemiplimab treat advanced cSCC.
• Tumor resistance to PD-1 inhibitors presents a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ongoing and completed clinical trials for advanced cSCC.
• To explore novel therapeutic strategies for PD-1 inhibitor-refractory cSCC.
• To focus on approaches re-stimulating the anti-tumor immune response.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trials in advanced cSCC.
• Analysis of therapeutic approaches beyond PD-1 inhibition.
• Focus on immunomodulatory strategies for refractory cases.

Main Results:

• Identified various therapeutic strategies under investigation.
• Highlighted the focus on re-stimulating anti-tumor immunity.
• Acknowledged the need for alternative treatments for non-responders.

Conclusions:

• PD-1 inhibitor resistance in cSCC necessitates alternative treatments.
• Re-stimulating the immune response is a key area of research.
• Ongoing trials offer potential new options for advanced cSCC patients.