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 USA and Europe is 350 mg every three 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.