Targeted Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

Targeted therapy drugs treat cancer by targeting specific features, changes, or substances in or on cancer cells. Each type of targeted therapy works differently, but they all change the way a cancer cell grows, divides, repairs itself, or interacts with other cells.

When might targeted drugs be used to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?

It’s not common for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, also known as squamous cell skin cancer, to reach an advanced stage, but if it does, targeted drugs might be helpful. Doctors are still learning the best ways to use these drugs to treat SCC.

Like chemo and immunotherapy, targeted drugs enter the bloodstream and reach almost all areas of the body, so they can sometimes be helpful against skin cancers that have spread too far to be treated with surgery or radiation.

EGFR inhibitors

In SCC, the cancer cells often have too much of the EGFR protein on their surfaces, which can help them grow.

Cetuximab (Erbitux), a drug that targets the EGFR protein, has been shown to shrink some advanced SCCs. It might be an option for some people if immunotherapy can’t be given or has stopped working.

This drug is given by infusion into a vein (IV), typically either once a week or every other week.

Possible side effects

Skin problems, such as an acne-like rash on the face and chest during treatment, are the most common side effects of cetuximab. These can sometimes lead to infections. An antibiotic cream or ointment might be needed to help control the skin rash and related infections.

Other side effects might include:

• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Talk to your cancer care team about the side effects to watch for and what can be done to help prevent or treat them.