Retifanlimab with carboplatin with paclitaxel for treating locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma

Retifanlimab is in clinical development as a combination therapy, with carboplatin and paclitaxel, for treating inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). SCAC is a rare cancer that starts in the squamous cells in the anal canal. Squamous cells make up the lining of the anal canal which is the opening at the end of the bowel. A locally recurrent cancer is a case of cancer that has remerged in the same part of the body, or very close to the original site, following previous treatment. Metastatic cancers are cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of SCAC can include bleeding from the bottom, bowel incontinence, and small lumps around and inside the bottom. There are currently limited options for treating recurrent or metastatic SCAC, which means there remains an unmet need for people with the condition.