New drug combo aims to shrink skin cancer before surgery

NCT ID NCT06418724

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests two drugs, cemiplimab and cetuximab, given before surgery to people with advanced skin cancer that is hard to remove. The goal is to shrink the tumor enough to make surgery easier or even unnecessary. The study will enroll 27 participants across three sites in Australia.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

cemiplimab and cetuximab (drugs that help the immune system attack cancer and block a growth signal)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could shrink advanced skin cancers before surgery, making them easier to remove or even avoiding surgery altogether.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 27 participants. The combination may cause significant side effects, and it is not yet known if it will improve long-term outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

skin squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••