Complete Resolution of Bulky Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Programmed Death-1 Inhibitor

A 94-year-old White man presented for the treatment of a recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the forehead. The lesion started 1 year ago and was treated initially with electrodesiccation and curettage followed by topical fluorouracil. At recurrence, the patient was offered surgery and rad...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sach Thakker, Jafar Al-Mondhiry
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American College of Physicians 2024-03-01
Series:Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
Online Access:https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2023.0570
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Summary:A 94-year-old White man presented for the treatment of a recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the forehead. The lesion started 1 year ago and was treated initially with electrodesiccation and curettage followed by topical fluorouracil. At recurrence, the patient was offered surgery and radiation therapy but opted for systemic therapy targeting programmed death-1 inhibition (pembrolizumab). Accelerated regression and complete resolution of the tumor was observed after the first 3 infusions with no major side effects. Immunotherapy represents a major step forward in the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with high efficacy and a modest side effect profile favorable for many patients.
ISSN:2767-7664