Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, and is the most common form of skin cancer. Traditionally, BCC is treated with surgery to remove the malignant tissue. When the type of the tumor does not allow for surgery, doctors often employ biological drugs. However, the latter can cause severe side effects.
Highly effective, and with fewer side effects compared to other BCC immunotherapy drugs, Cemiplimab offers new hope for patients. A PD-1 inhibitor, Cemiplimab blocks the activity of certain checkpoint proteins that tend to be present on the surface of cells and signal immune cells not to attack.
According to a recent study by Sheba Medical Center, Cemiplimab is highly effective in treating BCC, as the tumor shrunk significantly in 30 percent of participants, while 60 percent experienced some reduction in size or a halt in development. These patients either did not react to standard biological treatments or experienced severe side effects.
