Cemiplimab-rwlc as first and only treatment for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction: In September of 2018, the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Cemiplimab is an intravenous human monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death-1 receptor (PD-1). Cemiplimab blocks T-cell inactivation and enhances the immune system's anti-tumor response. Areas Covered: We review CSCC and the studies leading to cemiplimab's approval, including common side effects and safety issues experienced during the clinical trials. Expert Opinion: Immunotherapy, specifically checkpoint inhibitors, represents an increasingly utilized class of medications that is proving to be an effective treatment option for those with certain cancers. Over time, immunotherapy is likely to be the standard of care for immune-sensitive tumors. There are many challenges that the field faces, including the identification of reliable biomarkers to better predict response, decreasing toxicity, and the potential treatment of organ transplant patients.