Efficacy and Safety of Cemiplimab for the Management of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Drug Safety Evaluation

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin cancer includes several types of cutaneous tumors, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) as the commonest. Among the available therapeutic options, surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment for both tumors. However, tumor features and patients’ comorbidities may limit the use of these techniques, making the treatment challenging. As regards BCC, even if hedgehog inhibitors revolutionized the therapeutic scenario, there are still patients unresponsive or intolerant to these drugs. In this context, cemiplimab has been approved as second-line treatment. As regards SCC, cemiplimab was the first systemic therapy approved. The objective of this manuscript was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cemiplimab for the management of BCC and cSCC. Cemiplimab has a durable and significant effect for the management of BCC and CSCC, with a favorable safety profile. Different specialists including oncologists, radiologists, dermatologists, and surgeons are required to guarantee an integrated approach, leading to the best management of patients. Moreover, the collaboration among specialists will allow them to best manage the TEAEs, reducing the risk of treatment suspension or discontinuation. Certainly, ongoing studies and more and more emerging real-world evidence, will allow us to better characterize the role of cemiplimab for the management of advanced non-melanoma skin cancer.