Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent cancer, often found on the skin, but also in areas like the mouth, throat, and lungs. Traditional treatments like surgery and radiation therapy are mainstays, but oral medications are now significant options. These therapies offer alternative approaches for specific patients and have expanded the therapeutic landscape beyond localized treatments.
Understanding Oral Medications for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Oral medications for squamous cell carcinoma include targeted therapies, and sometimes oral chemotherapy or retinoids. Targeted therapies specifically block molecules involved in cancer growth and spread, differing from traditional chemotherapy that broadly affects rapidly dividing cells. These drugs interfere with particular pathways that cancer cells rely on for survival and proliferation.
One category of targeted oral medications includes Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, such as erlotinib or afatinib. EGFR is a protein often found in high levels on the surface of SCC cells, which signals them to grow and divide. By blocking this receptor, these drugs can prevent cancer cell growth.
When Oral Medications Are Prescribed
Oral medications are considered in specific clinical situations for squamous cell carcinoma, particularly when traditional local treatments are not suitable. Their use often depends on the extent of the disease and the presence of specific biological markers within the tumor.
These medications are frequently prescribed for advanced or metastatic SCC, meaning the cancer has spread, making surgery or radiation less effective or impossible. They are also an option for locally advanced SCC when surgery or radiation therapy is unfeasible due to tumor characteristics or patient health. In some instances, oral retinoids (related to vitamin A) or oral chemotherapy drugs like capecitabine may be used for patients with weakened immune systems to help prevent SCC growth and spread. Furthermore, some targeted oral therapies are selected when specific genetic changes or protein expressions, such as high levels of PD-L1, are identified in the tumor, as these mutations indicate the cancer may respond well to a particular drug.
Managing Oral Medication Treatment
Managing treatment with oral medications for squamous cell carcinoma involves understanding potential side effects and committing to consistent adherence and regular monitoring. Patients may experience various side effects, which can vary depending on the specific drug.
Common side effects associated with these therapies include skin rashes, diarrhea, and fatigue. Other potential effects might involve changes in liver enzyme levels, which are typically identified through routine blood tests. Strategies for managing these side effects at home often include dietary adjustments for diarrhea or topical creams for skin reactions. However, severe or persistent symptoms require medical intervention.
Strict adherence to the prescribed dosage and schedule is paramount for the medication’s effectiveness, as missing doses can reduce its therapeutic impact. Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are necessary for ongoing monitoring of treatment response, which may involve blood tests and imaging scans to assess tumor changes. Patients should proactively communicate any new or worsening symptoms to their doctors to ensure timely management and adjustments to the treatment plan if needed.