Retifanlimab and Other Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Squamous Cell Anal Carcinoma

Abstract

Metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC) accounts for almost 500 deaths per year in the UK. The optimal first-line treatment for metastatic SCAC consists of combination chemotherapy, which provides only modest benefit with a short duration of response. Currently, there is no established second-line treatment for chemorefractory disease. Retifanlimab (a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor) has shown promise in patients with refractory, metastatic SCAC based on the POD1UM-202 study, and has potential in the first-line setting in combination with chemotherapy. This article will review the current treatment paradigms for SCAC, including the future use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, with a focus on retifanlimab in the treatment of SCAC.