Chemotherapy is sometimes used in people with metastatic CSCC. The treatment involves delivering drugs to kill cancer cells. Usually, the chemotherapy medication is administered via injection. Depending on the case, chemotherapy may be given alone, or along with other therapies. RELATED: Speaking Cancer: A Glossary of Formal and Informal Terms Used to Describe Cancer Tests, Treatment, Patients, and More
When Is Chemotherapy Used for Metastatic CSCC?
Chemotherapy isn’t widely used to treat CSCC. Surgery is generally the mainstay treatment, but when the cancer has metastasized or can’t be removed, chemotherapy becomes an option. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given to shrink tumors enough so other treatments, like surgery, can be performed. Chemotherapy medication may be given along with radiation or targeted drugs. When used together with other treatments, it’s known as adjuvant chemotherapy. If your cancer is very advanced, chemotherapy can help slow the spread, lessen pain, and make you more comfortable. RELATED: How Is Skin Cancer Treated? Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More
What Types of Chemo Are Used for Metastatic CSCC?
Though topical forms of chemotherapy are available for low-risk, superficial squamous cell cancers, metastatic CSCC is usually treated with a systemic type. This means the drugs travel through the bloodstream to all parts of your body. Systemic chemotherapy can target cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs. Some systemic chemotherapy agents used to treat metastatic CSCC include:
Cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ, Platinol)5-fluorouracil or 5-FU (Fluoroplex, Tolak, Efudex)Doxorubicin (Lipodox, Lipodox 50, and Doxil)
These CSCC chemotherapies are delivered by injection, typically once every few weeks. Doctors usually administer chemotherapy for CSCC over several months. RELATED: Skin Cancer Awareness Month: May 2021
What Are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can cause side effects, including:
Hair lossMouth soresNausea and vomitingDiarrhea or constipationLoss of appetiteTiredness or fatigueEasy bruising or bleedingAn increased risk for infections
The side-effects you experience will depend on the type of drug you receive, the dose, and how long your treatment lasts. Your doctor can recommend treatments or methods to help with some of the unwanted symptoms. Side effects will usually go away when you finish your treatment. RELATED: Should You Use Medical Marijuana, AKA Medical Cannabis, if You Have Cancer?
Chemo as a Palliative Care Treatment for Metastatic CSCC
Chemotherapy may be used as a palliative care measure for people with metastatic CSCC. This means it’s given to provide symptom relief, keep patients comfortable, and improve quality of life. Chemotherapy can slow the growth of cancer in the body, which might reduce discomfort. Talk to your doctor if you’d like to learn more about palliative care options. RELATED: The Right Hat Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer
Outcomes of Chemotherapy for Metastatic CSCC
Since metastatic CSCC is such a rare phenomenon, there’s limited data on the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 95 percent of CSCCs are caught early enough that they are curable. That means only 5 percent may advance or metastasize to other areas of the body. Still, as many as 15,000 people in the United States die from advanced forms of CSCC each year. Researchers are continuing to study therapeutic options for people with this type of skin cancer. RELATED: More Evidence That Sunscreen Chemicals Seep Into the Bloodstream
CSCC: The Bottom Line
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to target cancer cells in the body. It’s not commonly given for CSCC, but if the skin cancer has metastasized to other areas than the original spot, doctors may recommend it. Talk to your physician about the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
