ASCO 2025 | The potential advantages of the neoadjuvant approach in CSCC
Danny Rischin, MD, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia, comments on the benefits of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant treatment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), highlighting the potential for downstaging tumors, reduced need for extensive surgery, and lower toxicities associated with radiation in the C-POST trial (NCT03969004). The adjuvant approach allows for immediate surgery, reducing the risk of progression, while the neoadjuvant approach may be beneficial for high-risk patients. This interview took place during the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting in Chicago, IL.
These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.
Transcript
So we’re currently in a situation where we have Phase III data demonstrating the benefit of adjuvant treatment, with C-POST trials showing a marked reduction in the risk of recurrence. We have promising Phase II data with a neoadjuvant approach, and this is now being tested in the Phase III setting. The potential advantages of neoadjuvant treatment are that there can be downstaging of the tumour...
So we’re currently in a situation where we have Phase III data demonstrating the benefit of adjuvant treatment, with C-POST trials showing a marked reduction in the risk of recurrence. We have promising Phase II data with a neoadjuvant approach, and this is now being tested in the Phase III setting. The potential advantages of neoadjuvant treatment are that there can be downstaging of the tumour. Potentially patients might need less extensive surgery and patients that achieve a pathologic complete response may not need postoperative radiation or subsequent therapy. So you may be able to shorten the course of treatment and lessen some of the toxicities associated with radiation. The advantages of the adjuvant approach are that patients can go straight to surgery, they don’t run the risk of progressing prior to surgery, and then only the high-risk patients that need adjuvant therapy receive it rather than a broader population.
This transcript is AI-generated. While we strive for accuracy, please verify this copy with the video.
Read more...
