Real-world Treatment Patterns and Outcomes with Systemic Therapies in Unresectable Locally Advanced and Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Germany

Acta Derm Venereol. 2022 Jan 26:102:adv00637. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v101.751.

Abstract

Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a challenge to treat. Conventional systemic treatment options include chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor-inhibitors. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes with systemic treatments in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Patients receiving systemic treatment at the Tübingen Dermato-Oncology centre between 2007 and 2017 were identified (n = 59). Median age was 76 years (interquartile range (IQR) 71-80 years), 83.1% of patients were male, 72.9% had metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and 27.1% had unresectable locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. During median follow-up of 52 weeks (IQR 27-97 weeks), overall response rate was 14.3%, and disease control rate was 53.6%. Median progression-free survival was 15 weeks (IQR 8-42 weeks), and median overall survival was 52 weeks (IQR 27-97 weeks). Patients receiving chemoradiation vs chemotherapy alone showed better overall survival (hazard ratio 0.41, p = 0.014,) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.42, p = 0.009); no differences were observed for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma vs locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients. Although chemotherapy and/or cetuximab showed limited outcomes in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, such therapy may still be an option when anti-PD-1 treatment is contraindicated.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / drug therapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Skin Neoplasms* / drug therapy