Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, usually appearing on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. Most cases are cured with surgery or local treatments when caught early, but advanced or metastatic disease requires systemic therapy. Treatment options have expanded recently with immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system attack cancer cells.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing checkpoint inhibitors like cemiplimab and pembrolizumab in earlier-stage disease and new combinations for advanced cases. Researchers are studying targeted therapies for specific mutations, vaccines to prevent recurrence, and better treatments for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma that has spread. Studies also focus on people with weakened immune systems, who face higher risk and fewer treatment options.
Immunotherapy for early disease
Checkpoint inhibitors already treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma. Trials now test whether giving them before surgery shrinks tumors and prevents recurrence in high-risk cases.
Targeted therapies
Some squamous cell carcinomas carry specific mutations that drugs can target. Trials are testing EGFR inhibitors and other targeted drugs, especially for tumors that don't respond to immunotherapy.
Prevention vaccines
Researchers are developing vaccines to prevent squamous cell carcinoma in people who've already had it. Early studies show promise in reducing new skin cancers.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on cancer stage, whether it can be removed surgically, prior treatments, immune system status, and specific tumor characteristics like mutation status.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination, either before surgery or for advanced disease that can't be removed.
- Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs that target specific mutations or proteins driving cancer growth, often for people whose tumors don't respond to immunotherapy.
- Surgical trials — Comparing different surgical techniques and timing of surgery, especially when combined with other treatments.
- Prevention trials — Testing vaccines and medications to prevent new squamous cell carcinomas in people with prior history or high risk.
- Combination trials — Testing immunotherapy plus targeted drugs, chemotherapy, or radiation to see if combinations work better than single treatments.
Recently added Squamous Cell Carcinoma trials
Clinical Evaluation of Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Titanium Implants for Facial Reconstruction.
This clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-specific 3D-printed titanium facial implants in the reconstruction and aesthetic correction of facial defects. The study will include patients presenting with congenital, traumatic, or post-surgical facial deformities requiring reconstructive intervention. Eligible participants will undergo preoperative clinical assessment and radiological imaging to design customized implants using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing technology. The implants will be fabricated from medical-grade titanium and surgically placed according to standardized maxillofacial reconstructive protocols. Postoperative follow-up will assess functional outcomes, implant stability, complication rates, and aesthetic improvement over a defined observation period. Outcome evaluation will include clinical examination and patient-reported satisfaction measures. The objective of this study is to determine whether patient-specific 3D-printed titanium implants provide reliable functional restoration and improved aesthetic outcomes in facial reconstruction compared to conventional reconstructive techniques.
A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Low-dose Carboplatin Combined With Nab-Paclitaxel and Delayed Administration of Serplulimab as First-line Treatment for Advanced Squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
This study is a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial targeting subjects with advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC with unknown or negative gene status, aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line delayed administration of Serplulimab combined with a low-dose Nab-Paclitaxel doublet chemotherapy regimen.
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