Could Immunotherapy Be the Future for Advanced Skin Cancer?
Published: Jun 27, 2024
Cemiplimab, a type of immunotherapy, is showing promise in treating advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This therapy uses the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
Contents
How Does Cemiplimab Work?
Cemiplimab is a checkpoint inhibitor, which means it helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It targets proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking tumors, enabling the body to fight the cancer more effectively.
Success Stories with Cemiplimab
In patients with advanced BCC and SCC, cemiplimab has shown impressive results. Studies show a 31% response rate in locally advanced BCC and a 26% response rate in metastatic BCC, with many patients experiencing long-lasting effects.
Potential Side Effects
While cemiplimab is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects like fatigue, hypertension, and musculoskeletal pain. Most side effects are manageable, but it's crucial for patients to be monitored closely during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a checkpoint inhibitor used in immunotherapy for cancer.
It has a 31% response rate in locally advanced BCC.
Fatigue and hypertension are common effects.
Key Takeaways
Cemiplimab offers a promising new avenue for treating advanced skin cancers.
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References
Lewis KD, Peris K, Sekulic A, et al. Final analysis of phase II results with cemiplimab in metastatic basal cell carcinoma after hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Ann Oncol 2024; 35:221.
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