Nivolumab in the Treatment of Unresectable Cutaneous Epithelial Cancers: Results from a Phase II Open-Label, Single-Arm Multicenter Trial (NMSC-PD1) - Report - MDSpire

Nivolumab in the Treatment of Unresectable Cutaneous Epithelial Cancers: Results from a Phase II Open-Label, Single-Arm Multicenter Trial (NMSC-PD1)

  • By

  • Yoshio Nakamura

  • Naoya Yamazaki

  • Kenjiro Namikawa

  • Hiroshi Uchi

  • Shoichiro Mori

  • Mariko Ogawa-Momohara

  • Taku Fujimura

  • Tatsuya Takenouchi

  • Mana Kurimoto

  • Yuki Yamamoto

  • Atsushi Otsuka

  • Kenji Kabashima

  • Takayuki Fusumae

  • Ikuko Hirai

  • Keiji Tanese

  • Yasuko Saito

  • Masayuki Amagai

  • Ryo Takemura

  • Yasunori Sato

  • Takeru Funakoshi

  • March 4, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Nivolumab in the Treatment of Unresectable Cutaneous Epithelial Cancers

Overview

This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in patients with advanced unresectable cutaneous epithelial cancers. The study aimed to provide insights into the potential of PD-1 blockade in a population with limited treatment options.

Background

Cutaneous epithelial malignancies, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) like cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), present significant treatment challenges, especially in advanced stages. The prognosis for advanced cSCC is poor, with limited systemic therapy options available, particularly in East Asian populations. Recent advancements in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise, but data specific to these populations remain scarce.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Nivolumab was evaluated as a monotherapy for advanced unresectable cutaneous epithelial malignancies.
  • The trial included patients with both cSCC and non-cSCC NMSCs.
  • Patients received nivolumab every 4 weeks for up to 26 cycles, with the possibility of extending treatment for responders.
  • The study aimed for a sample size of 30 patients to achieve adequate statistical power.
  • Previous studies have shown that PD-1 inhibitors like cemiplimab and pembrolizumab have substantial antitumor activity in advanced cSCC.

Clinical Implications

The findings from this trial could inform treatment strategies for advanced cutaneous epithelial cancers in populations with limited options. Nivolumab may represent a viable therapeutic alternative, particularly for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies.

Conclusion

Nivolumab shows potential as a treatment option for advanced unresectable cutaneous epithelial cancers, addressing a critical need for effective therapies in this patient population. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

References

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. the asco post — Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Recurrent or Metastatic Disease
  3. The ASCO Post — Adjuvant Nivolumab in Stage IIB/C Melanoma OF NOTE
  4. The ASCO Post — Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Nivolumab Is Active in Patients With Heavily Pretreated Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
  5. The ASCO Post — Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy in Resectable Stage IIIA NSCLC: Overall Survival and Biomarker Analyses
  6. FDA approves cemiplimab-rwlc for adjuvant treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
  7. Cemiplimab in the treatment of metastatic basal cell carcinoma
  8. Neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab in resectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a randomized phase 2 trial | Nature Medicine

Original Source(s)

Related Content