Mode
Home
Research
Clinical Trials Drug Pipeline Weekly Digests
Reference
Conditions Medications
Community
Questions
Text Size
Log in / Sign up
Home › Conditions › Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Part of Cancer

5 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

46 trials tracked for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 7 in phase 3 or 4 and 1 with published results. The most-cited published study has 22 citations.

46Trials tracked
7Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
1With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 4 Phase 2 25 Phase 1 4 Other / NA 10
  1. Phase 4 CSP #562 - The VA Keratinocyte Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial Completed · 22 cited
  2. Phase 4 Safety and Efficacy Study of Abraxane in Combination With Carboplatin to Treat Advanced NSCL Cancer in the Elderly Completed
  3. Phase 4 Post-Operative Drainage Following Lymph Node Dissection Completed
  4. Phase 3 Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) With Metvix® 160 Milligrams/Gram Cream in Organ Transplant Participants With Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Completed
  5. Phase 3 Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Placebo Following Surgery and Radiation in Participants With Locally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MK-3475-630/KEYNOTE-630) Completed
  6. Phase 3 LUX-Head&Neck 1: A Phase III Trial of Afatinib (BIBW2992) Versus Methotrexate for the Treatment of Recurrent and/or Metastatic (R/M) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer After Platinum Based Chemotherapy Completed
Show 40 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Palifermin for the Reduction of Oral Mucositis in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  2. Phase 2 Cetuximab and Lenalidomide in Head and Neck Completed
  3. Phase 2 De-intensification of Radiation & Chemotherapy in Low-Risk Human Papillomavirus-related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Ca Completed
  4. Phase 2 Radiotherapy Plus Panitumumab Compared to Chemoradiotherapy With Unresected, Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Completed
  5. Phase 2 De-Escalation Therapy for Human Papillomavirus Negative Disease Completed
  6. Phase 2 A Phase II Trial of Cetuximab and Bevacizumab in Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  7. Phase 2 De-intensification of Radiation and Chemotherapy for Low-Risk HPV-related Oropharyngeal SCC: Follow-up Study Completed
  8. Phase 2 PRISM (Panitumumab Regimen In Second-line Monotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer) Completed
  9. Phase 2 Erlotinib in Women With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulvar Completed
  10. Phase 2 Quercetin Chemoprevention for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients With Fanconi Anemia Completed
  11. Phase 2 Capecitabine or 5-FU With Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b in Unresectable/Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  12. Phase 2 Study of Addition of Panitumumab to Chemoradiation Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  13. Phase 2 Radiation and Cetuximab Plus Intratumoral EGFR Antisense DNA in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  14. Phase 2 Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Radiochemotherapy for Cancer of the Esophagus or Cardia Completed
  15. Phase 2 P53 Mutational Status and cf HPV DNA for the Management of HPV-associated OPSCC Completed
  16. Phase 2 A Phase 1/2 Safety Study of Intratumorally Dosed INT230-6 Completed
  17. Phase 2 Study of TVEC in Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer Completed
  18. Phase 2 Paclitaxel, Carboplatin and Radiotherapy as Induction Therapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  19. Phase 2 BIBW 2992 (Afatinib) in Head & Neck Cancer Completed
  20. Phase 2 Rapamycin Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  21. Phase 2 Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Adults With Recurrent/Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) or Locally Advanced Unresectable cSCC (MK-3475-629/KEYNOTE-629) Completed
  22. Phase 2 Nivolumab (Opdivo®) Plus ABI-009 (Nab-rapamycin) for Advanced Sarcoma and Certain Cancers Completed
  23. Phase 2 An Open-Label Safety Study of API 31510 in a Topical Cream for in Situ Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCIS) Completed
  24. Phase 2 Cetuximab in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Completed
  25. Phase 2 Involved Field Elective Volume De-Intensification Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  26. Phase 2 Determine Tumor Response Using Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) Before and After Cetuximab in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  27. Phase 1 M6620 Plus Standard Treatment in Oesophageal and Other Cancer Completed
  28. Phase 1 Nivolumab and Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Completed
  29. Phase 1 Pembrolizumab in Combination With CRT for LA-SCCHN Completed
  30. Phase 1 Testosterone for Treating Cachexia in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  31. N/A Incidence of Melanoma and Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in People With Vitiligo Completed
  32. N/A Serum Concentration of Lidocaine After Local Injection During Mohs Micrographic Surgery Completed
  33. N/A Safety and Efficacy of Oral Midazolam for Perioperative Anxiety Relief of Patients Undergoing Mohs Micrographic Surgery Completed
  34. N/A Absorbable Suture Versus Tissue Glue to Repair Defects Following Mohs Surgery Completed
  35. N/A Strategies to Promote Skin Health Completed
  36. N/A The Impact of Total Body Skin Examination on Skin Cancer Detection Completed
  37. N/A Correlation Between Skin Carotenoid Levels and Previous History of Skin Cancer Completed
  38. N/A Warning Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Prevention of SCC by at Risk Organ Transplant Recipients Completed
  39. N/A Using MC1R Genotype to Impact Melanoma Risk Behavior Completed
  40. N/A Observational Study of Incidence Rates of Esophageal Cancer in Women Taking Medications for the Prevention or Treatment of Osteoporosis (MK-0217A-352) Completed

Showing the 46 most-cited and recently-updated of 46 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: what the trials found

New evidence indicates that Quercetin, a dietary supplement, is being investigated in Phase 2 trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma 1.

Treatment with 5-fluorouracil showed no statistically significant difference in the time to diagnosis of the first keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) requiring surgery or the hazard ratio for surgically treated KC 2. Nab-paclitaxel was associated with high rates of grade 2 or higher peripheral neuropathy and grade 3 or higher myelosuppression (approximately 76-77%) 3, with over half of patients requiring dose reductions 3.

Photodynamic therapy using Metvix 160 mg/g cream showed a significant reduction in the number of accumulated new skin lesions at month 3 compared to control 6, though this difference did not reach statistical significance at months 9 or 15 6. Afatinib demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) but did not show a statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) or objective response (OR) 7.

In studies involving placebo, there were significant differences in the incidence, duration, and time to onset of severe (Grade 3 or 4) oral mucositis 8. Clinical management with chemotherapy was evaluated across multiple trials [16, 19], and Pembrolizumab was assessed in Phase 2 settings 17.

The use of Fibrin Sealant (Tisseel) showed no statistically significant differences in post-operative wound drainage, length of time drains remained in situ, or the number of patients with post-operative complications 4.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Quercetin (dietary supplement) is currently under investigation in Phase 2 trials 1.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Afatinib has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, though it did not significantly impact overall survival 7.
  • Photodynamic therapy with Metvix 160 mg/g cream shows a significant reduction in new skin lesions at the 3-month mark 6.
  • Nab-paclitaxel is associated with high rates of peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression, necessitating frequent dose monitoring 3.

AI synthesis of 8 cited trials, updated Jun 27, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Diverse therapeutic approaches including immunotherapy are utilized for patients with occult squamous cell carcinoma
Allergy & Immunology Meta-analysis
Diverse therapeutic approaches including immunotherapy are utilized for patients with occult squamous cell carcinoma Men and women show different patterns in squamous cell carcinoma
This systematic review of case reports examines clinical characteristics and treatment strategies for patients with occult squamous cell car…
New data shows that men and women experience different locations for lymph node spread in certain types of skin cancer.
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
Actinic keratosis increases melanoma risk while alcohol consumption is associated with lower squamous cell carcinoma risk
Genetics & Precision Medicine Meta-analysis
Actinic keratosis increases melanoma risk while alcohol consumption is associated with lower squamous cell carcinoma risk Actinic Keratosis Linked to Higher Risk of Melanoma
This meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies evaluates causal relationships between 11 modifiable risk factors and skin cancers. Th…
New research identifies a link between actinic keratosis and melanoma risk while highlighting potential new targets for skin cancer treatmen…
Frontiers Jul 8, 2026
Sugar sweetened beverages and orange juice are associated with increased risk of several cancer types
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Sugar sweetened beverages and orange juice are associated with increased risk of several cancer types Sugar sweetened drinks may increase risk of several cancer types
This meta-analysis of 51 cohort studies evaluates the link between sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs)…
New research suggests a link between sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of certain cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal…
medRxiv Jul 7, 2026
Meta-analysis of sirolimus for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients
Dermatology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis of sirolimus for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients Sirolimus lowers skin cancer risk in kidney transplant patients
This meta-analysis of four randomized trials in kidney transplant recipients with prior cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma found that switchi…
A review of studies shows switching to sirolimus can cut skin cancer rates, but it may cause more side effects.
May 2, 2026
Becotatug vedotin shows 20.9% objective response in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after prior therapy
Oncology Phase II
Becotatug vedotin shows 20.9% objective response in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after prior therapy For patients with advanced head and neck cancer, a new drug showed a 21% response rate in early testing
This multicenter, Phase IIa trial evaluated intravenous becotatug vedotin in 67 patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinom…
A new drug shrank tumors in 21% of patients with advanced head and neck cancer who had run out of standard treatment options.
Apr 16, 2026

Research across Cancer

Related studies from across the Cancer family.

Immunotherapy regimens for TKI-resistant NSCLC are not cost-effective without significant price reductions
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Immunotherapy regimens for TKI-resistant NSCLC are not cost-effective without significant price reductions New lung cancer treatments show better results but higher costs
This network meta-analysis evaluated the cost-effectiveness of three immunotherapy-based combinations compared to chemotherapy in patients w…
Newer drug combinations offer better survival for certain lung cancer patients, but high costs currently make them difficult to fund widely.
Frontiers Aug 5, 2026
EGFR and TP53 mutations linked to worse survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
ENT (Otolaryngology) Meta-analysis
EGFR and TP53 mutations linked to worse survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma Genetic markers linked to survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
A meta-analysis of 25 retrospective cohort studies including 1194 patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma found that EGFR and TP53 m…
Specific genetic mutations and protein levels can help doctors predict how patients with certain head and neck cancers will respond to treat…
Jul 25, 2026
EGFR inhibitors show reproducible activity and manageable toxicity in locally advanced or metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma
Oncology Meta-analysis
EGFR inhibitors show reproducible activity and manageable toxicity in locally advanced or metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma EGFR Inhibitors Show Activity in Advanced Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This meta-analysis of 404 patients evaluated EGFR inhibitors (cetuximab and panitumumab) for anal squamous cell carcinoma. The analysis foun…
New analysis shows that EGFR inhibitors like cetuximab and panitumumab may improve response rates for patients with advanced anal squamous c…
Jul 5, 2026
Trastuzumab deruxtecan and pyrotinib provide disease control in lung squamous cell carcinoma with ERBB2 mutation
Drug Pipeline Guideline
Trastuzumab deruxtecan and pyrotinib provide disease control in lung squamous cell carcinoma with ERBB2 mutation New Treatment Strategy Shows Promise for Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This case report describes a patient with stage IA2 lung squamous cell carcinoma and an ERBB2 exon 20 p.G776V mutation treated with trastuzu…
A new treatment plan using trastuzumab deruxtecan and pyrotinib showed promising results for a patient with a specific lung cancer mutation.
Frontiers Jun 21, 2026
Transitioning from static TNM staging to a multidimensional, adaptive treatment model integrating genomics and immunology for HPV-associated OPSCC
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Transitioning from static TNM staging to a multidimensional, adaptive treatment model integrating genomics and immunology for HPV-associated OPSCC Doctors are shifting from static staging to adaptive care for HPV throat cancer
This narrative review discusses the evolving management of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The authors argue for trans…
Medical teams are moving away from old staging rules toward a new model that uses genomics and immunology for precise care.
Frontiers Jun 1, 2026
Narrative review discusses HPV-associated head and neck and cervical squamous cell carcinoma without reporting specific outcomes
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Narrative review discusses HPV-associated head and neck and cervical squamous cell carcinoma without reporting specific outcomes Doctors Find Hidden Pattern in HPV Cancers That Changes Treatment
This narrative review addresses patients with HPV-associated tumors involving head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcin…
HPV cancers in the head and neck hide from the immune system differently than cervical cancers, explaining why some patients respond better …
Frontiers May 5, 2026
High tumour mutation burden improves overall survival in solid tumours treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Oncology Meta-analysis
High tumour mutation burden improves overall survival in solid tumours treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors High Mutation Counts May Predict Better Cancer Survival Outcomes
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 5278 patients with solid tumours treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherap…
High mutation counts in tumors may help predict who will survive longer when taking powerful immune-boosting cancer drugs
May 1, 2026
Network meta-analysis of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 regimens in advanced non-squamous NSCLC without EGFR or ALK alterations
Pulmonology & Critical Care Meta-analysis
Network meta-analysis of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 regimens in advanced non-squamous NSCLC without EGFR or ALK alterations New drugs beat old ones for advanced lung cancer survival
This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated overall survival and progression-free survival across 15 Phase III randomized cli…
New drug combinations show better survival chances for advanced lung cancer patients whether their tumors express PD-L1 or not
May 1, 2026
Meta-analysis finds blood biomarkers predict outcomes in anal cancer but need validation
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds blood biomarkers predict outcomes in anal cancer but need validation Low blood counts and high inflammation may signal worse survival for anal cancer patients
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 3589 patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma found that elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte rat…
For patients with anal cancer, low hemoglobin and high inflammation markers linked to poorer survival in this analysis of nearly 3,600 peopl…
May 1, 2026
Deep hyperthermia with tislelizumab and chemotherapy in advanced squamous NSCLC
Oncology Cohort
Deep hyperthermia with tislelizumab and chemotherapy in advanced squamous NSCLC Deep Heat Plus Drug Boosts Lung Cancer Response Rates
This retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with advanced squamous NSCLC evaluated deep hyperthermia combined with tislelizumab and chem…
Adding deep heat to standard lung cancer treatment improved response rates significantly while keeping safety levels the same as standard ch…
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Disease progression and death in a 10 year old male with lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Pediatrics Cohort
Disease progression and death in a 10 year old male with lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma Rare case: child dies 7 months after esophageal cancer diagnosis
This case report and retrospective literature analysis describes a 10 year old male with lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
A 10-year-old with a rare esophageal cancer died 7 months after diagnosis, highlighting the urgent need for better treatments.
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Retrospective review finds higher ORR with salvage DCRT in locally advanced ESCC
Oncology Guideline
Retrospective review finds higher ORR with salvage DCRT in locally advanced ESCC Salvage therapy works better than upfront treatment for some esophageal cancer patients
This retrospective analysis of 91 patients from 3 medical centers compared salvage versus upfront definitive chemoradiotherapy (DCRT) for lo…
New data shows treating esophageal cancer after a failed first attempt may lead to better outcomes than starting with the strongest drugs im…
Frontiers Apr 29, 2026

Questions about Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Does having actinic keratosis increase my risk of other skin cancers like Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Yes, actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous lesion that increases your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Full answer →
Is becotatug vedotin effective for recurrent head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Yes, a phase IIa trial found becotatug vedotin produced a 20.9% objective response rate in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after prior therapy.

Full answer →