Could a Pre-Surgery drug stop skin cancer from returning?

NCT ID NCT04975152

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial is testing whether the drug cemiplimab (Libtayo) is safe and effective when given before surgery to remove Merkel cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. About 36 people with stage I–II cancer will receive the drug every three weeks for up to nine cycles before their operation. Researchers are tracking side effects and how long participants stay cancer-free afterward.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cemiplimab (Libtayo)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that giving cemiplimab before surgery helps reduce the risk of cancer coming back in people with these skin cancers.
What could go wrong: This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 36 participants, so results may not apply widely. Side effects from cemiplimab can include immune-related reactions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma skin neoplasm skin squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Moffitt Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

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