Cemiplimab for Advanced Periocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A UK Case Series
Author: Mumta Kanda
Base Hospital / Institution: Moorfields Eye Hospital
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-296
Purpose
To evaluate treatment outcomes of cemiplimab in advanced periocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at a UK tertiary eye centre.
Methods
A retrospective case series of five adults with biopsy-proven periocular cutaneous SCC treated with cemiplimab (350 mg IV every 3 weeks) between January 2023 and January 2025 at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Patients were selected based on inoperability, patient refusal of surgery, or high morbidity risk with exenteration. Outcomes assessed included radiological response (RECIST 1.1), adverse events (CTCAE v5.0), and need for orbital exenteration.
Results
Mean age was 68 (43-79) years (60% female). Four patients (80%) had orbital invasion; two (40%) had perineural invasion and one (20%) had intracranial invasion. Average treatment duration was 10.9 (2.1-14.9) months and average number of doses was 14 (3-21). Overall response rate was 80%: two complete responses, one partial response, and one mixed lesion response where a lid lesion showed complete response and an intracranial lesion showed partial response. One patient progressed and required exenteration. Adverse events included hypothyroidism (40%) and hepatitis (20%). Mean follow-up was 30.7 (11.6-60.8) months. Three patients had treatment cessation; one for stable complete response, one for hepatitis, and one for progression of disease. Two patients remain on cemiplimab at the end of the study period. There was one tumour recurrence 12 months post-treatment cessation (for hepatitis) but the patient refused further treatment. There were no cases of metastasis or disease-related death. Visual acuity was preserved in two cases involving the better-seeing eye.
Conclusion
Cemiplimab is an effective, eye- and vision-sparing treatment for advanced periocular SCC, with a favourable safety profile. It should be considered in multidisciplinary settings for patients with inoperable disease, when orbital exenteration is otherwise indicated, or when a patient refuses surgical intervention.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Nirodha | Jayawickrema | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
| Indran | Davagnanam | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
| Claire | Daniel | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
