A retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy of apatinib for patients with squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of our study is to explore the safety and efficacy of apatinib in treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: This study comprised 17 patients histologically confirmed with squamous cell carcinoma in the oncology department of Xuzhou Central Hospital from December 2015 to April 2017. Results: There were 17 patients, including 10 patients with lung cancer, 7 patients with other cancers. Sixteen patients received apatinib second-line and beyond therapy. The rate of partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progression disease were 46.7%, 46.7% and 6.7% for the 15 evaluated patients, respectively. There were no grade 3/4 hypertension (23.5%) and hand-foot syndrome (23.5%) occurred. Severe adverse events occurred in 3 patients.. The median PFS (mPFS) of all patients was 5.20 (95% confidence interval CI, 3.32-7.08 months) months, while the mPFS of lung caner was 6.10 (95% CI, 4.63-7.57 months) months. Conclusions: Apatinib is effective for squamous cell carcinoma. The toxicity of apatinib is acceptable.