Successful Use of Cemiplimab in High Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipient With Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in Transplant Immunology has found that the immune checkpoint inhibitor Cemiplimab can be safely used in high immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The study, led by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, reported a case of a patient who received Cemiplimab as third-line therapy for metastatic disease and achieved a significant response, including stability of allograft function and improved quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study was funded by the VeloSano Pilot Grant Award and the Robert A Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award.
  • The patient received Cemiplimab as third-line therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, which was previously refractory to chemotherapy.
  • The patient tolerated the high sirolimus trough and continued on Cemiplimab for six months with clinically stable allograft function and a good quality of life.
  • The patient achieved a response to their metastatic disease, including stability of previously chemotherapy-refractory metastatic disease.
  • The study highlighted the potential use of Cemiplimab in high immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.
  • The patient's maintenance immunosuppression was changed from triple immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone to sirolimus with a high trough target of 10-15 ng/mL and steroid therapy.

Statistics:

  • The patient received Cemiplimab for six months.
  • The patient's allograft function remained clinically stable during the treatment period.
  • The patient achieved a response to their metastatic disease, including stability of previously chemotherapy-refractory metastatic disease.
  • The study was published in the journal Transplant Immunology.

Source:

  • NewsRx. Reports on Squamous Cell Carcinoma Findings from Cleveland Clinic Provide New Insights (Successful Use of Cemiplimab In a High Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipient With Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma). Immunotherapy Weekly. July 2, 2025; p 3723.
  • Successful Use of Cemiplimab In a High Immunologic Risk Kidney Transplant Recipient With Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Transplant Immunology, 2025; 91.
  • Transplant Immunology. Can be contacted at: Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Transplant Immunology - www.journals.elsevier.com/transplant-immunology/)