CEMIPLIMAB (LIBTAYO)

Ccemiplimab (Libtayo) is an anti-PD-1pd1 immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. This drug is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets PD-1, a protein on immune system cells (called T cells), that normally helps keep these cells from attacking other cells in the body. By blocking PD-1, this drug boosts the immune response

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions from this drug include fatigue, rash, and diarrhea. It’s very important to report any new side effects during or after treatment to your health care team promptly. 

Provincial Funding Summary

In April 2019, Cemiplimab (Libtayo) became the first immunotherapy option in Canada for adults with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.

Cemiplimab (Libtayo) is now publicly covered in all Canadian provinces. Cemiplimab (Libtayo) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. 

Visit CADTH The pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) review status for Cemiplimab (Libtayo). CADTH is an evidence-based, cancer drug review process. The pCODR process is designed to bring consistency and clarity to the assessment of cancer drugs by reviewing clinical evidence, cost-effectiveness, and patient perspectives, and using this information to make recommendations to Canada’s provinces and territories (except Quebec) in guiding their drug funding decisions. VISIT CADTH