Retrospective Investigation of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Lip Treated with Peplomycin Administered Through a Superficial Temporal Artery

Background Continuous intra-arterial (IA) administration of peplomycin (PEP) through a tumor-feeding artery is one of the most effective treatments for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in cosmetic areas. Patients and methods In order to determine the effective and safe dose of PEP and the curative rate of IA-PEP, we retrospectively investigated a case series of 24 patients with cSCC on the lips who were treated with IA-PEP. Results IA-PEP reduced the tumor mass in all 24 cases (100%). A complete response occurred in 17 patients (70.8%), and a partial response occurred in seven (29.2%). Moreover, 17 patients (70.8%) were cured, three patients developed cervical lymph node metastasis (12.5%), and four developed local recurrence (16.7%). Three out of the 24 patients developed interstitial pneumonia (12.5%). Conclusion Low-dose IA-PEP administered through a superficial temporal artery was a highly effective treatment that achieved a curative response for 70.8% of patients with cSCC on the lips.