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VIDEO: Cemiplimab represents ‘paradigm shift’ in treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
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CHICAGO — Michael R. Migden, MD, professor in the departments of dermatology and head and neck surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, spoke with HemOnc Today at ASCO Annual Meeting about cemiplimab.
Cemiplimab (Libtayo; Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme) — a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets PD-1 — received FDA approval in September for IV treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.
It is the first drug specifically approved for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer in the United States.
The objective response rate with the agent approaches 50%, and the durability of response is longer than that observed with other therapies, Migden said.
“This therapy represents a paradigm shift in treatment,” Migden told HemOnc Today. “[Prior to cemiplimab’s approval], we really didn’t have anything that was reliable and there was no standard of care for this disease.” – by Mark Leiser
Disclosure: Migden reports honoraria from, consultant/advisory roles with, research funding from, or travel, accommodations or expenses from Regeneron, Sanofi/Genzyme and Sun Pharmaceuticals.