Immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of periorbital squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose To report on the outcomes of immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced periorbital squamous cell carcinoma. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of seven consecutive patients with locally advanced periorbital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Treatments and therapeutic outcomes were reviewed. Results Of the seven patients, six were treated with cemiplimab, and one was treated with pembrolizumab. Five patients were treated with immunotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy before planned surgical resection; two patients received immunotherapy for treatment of advanced recurrent lesions deemed unresectable following multiple previous excisions and radiation therapy. In all seven patients, measurable clinical and/or radiologic response was observed. Conclusions Our findings support the emerging role of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in the management of locally advanced periorbital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.