The Headline: Why can’t we use immunotherapy for unresectable cutaneous SCC that is still amenable to definitive radiation?
The Study: Immunotherapy is used for locally advanced cutaneous SCC that is not eligible for definitive surgery or radiation. RAMPART was a phase 2 trial in which 34 patients with unresectable stage III (41%) or stage IV (nonmetastatic, 59%) cSCC received induction cemiplimab and definitive radiation. Most (56%) had recurrent disease, and 91% involved the head and neck. After 2 cycles of induction cemiplimab, those with progression went straight to full dose (70 Gy) radiation, while those who responded received another two doses. They then received response adapted RT with concurrent cemiplimab followed by adjuvant cemiplimab. At 12 weeks post treatment, the complete response rate was 29%, partial response rate was 29%, and 12% had stable disease. At 18 months, the rate of EFS was 86%, which exceeded the goal rate of 60%.
TBL: This trial showed favorable outcomes when cemiplimab was incorporated with definitive radiation for unresectable, locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. | Barker, ASCO 2026
The Study: Immunotherapy is used for locally advanced cutaneous SCC that is not eligible for definitive surgery or radiation. RAMPART was a phase 2 trial in which 34 patients with unresectable stage III (41%) or stage IV (nonmetastatic, 59%) cSCC received induction cemiplimab and definitive radiation. Most (56%) had recurrent disease, and 91% involved the head and neck. After 2 cycles of induction cemiplimab, those with progression went straight to full dose (70 Gy) radiation, while those who responded received another two doses. They then received response adapted RT with concurrent cemiplimab followed by adjuvant cemiplimab. At 12 weeks post treatment, the complete response rate was 29%, partial response rate was 29%, and 12% had stable disease. At 18 months, the rate of EFS was 86%, which exceeded the goal rate of 60%.
TBL: This trial showed favorable outcomes when cemiplimab was incorporated with definitive radiation for unresectable, locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. | Barker, ASCO 2026