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Anyone had Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 4 hours ago | Replies (55)

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@sepdvm

rebeccac, So sorry to hear you and your husband are having to deal with this. Head and Neck cancer has had some recent advancement in Immunotherapy with new drugs being approved. I would think that surgery, radiation and chemotherapy might be expected initially in his case. Since his is probably skin origin rather than mucous membrane like oral lesions, he may be a candidate for the checkpoint inhibitor Libtayo (Cemiplimab) the drug I am currently on. While my SCC originated in my ear, and lymph nodes were clear initially, I have had multiple metastases in 10 years since initial surgery. I don't know if the Libtayo is approved as an initial treatment. At Mayo Clinic they tested my tumor for the presence of the checkpoint PD-L1 to see if the drug would be expected to work and I tested high. My tumors have disappeared since starting it almost 2 years ago. I can't stress enough about getting a second opinion at a major referral center to get the most complete and thorough medical care. I would not be alive now if not for Mayo Clinic. Good luck to you and your husband. This kind of diagnosis is overwhelming but stay positive, educate yourselves on options, and seek a second opinion.

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Replies to "rebeccac, So sorry to hear you and your husband are having to deal with this. Head..."

I've been on libtayo since 6/24 and still show signs in my left lymph node...just had a biopsy there that was positive for malignancy. You say you've been on Libtayo for 2 years...how long did it take before results could be seen as improved?