Unlocking the Potential of Immuno-Oncology in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role of Checkpoint Blockade

Abstract

Dr Robert welcomed the delegates to the symposium and outlined the agenda for the meeting, before presenting the first session on understanding cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The rising incidence of CSCC presents a major challenge for healthcare systems and the frequency and impact of progression to advanced disease is underestimated. The diverse range and potential complications of CSCC lesions require a multidisciplinary approach, in which dermatologists play an important role. The message that CSCC remains a disease of high unmet need was echoed by Dr Peris, who presented on existing treatment approaches for the management of advanced CSCC. In the absence of an established management pathway for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, clinicians must rely on limited or anecdotal evidence to inform treatment decisions. Conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies produce variable responses that are often short-lived, demonstrating a need for more effective and tolerable systemic treatments. Guidelines recognise these limitations and do not make any firm recommendations for the treatment of advanced CSCC. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach was underlined by Dr Migden’s presentation on future novel therapeutic strategies in CSCC. Immunotherapy is an exciting frontier that is becoming increasingly relevant to many specialists, including dermatologists, with several ongoing trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced CSCC. A strong rationale exists for immunotherapy in these patients and the current evidence base supports the use of immune checkpoint blockade as an alternative to cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted agents. Dr Migden concluded the symposium with an interactive presentation of five case studies of successful checkpoint inhibitor treatment of locally advanced CSCC, emphasising the key role of dermatologists in a multidisciplinary team approach.