Best treatments for squamous cell carcinoma
9 products may treat squamous cell carcinoma, spanning FDA drug classes such as programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody. The current highest-rated option is gilotrif. Ranked below by our independent recall-safety rating (rated where FDA data exists) — not medical advice; always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 9 drugs we list for squamous cell carcinoma, 4 are available as lower-cost generics, spanning classes such as programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody. They’re ranked by each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for squamous cell carcinoma — so confirm the right choice with your prescriber.
Top-rated picks for squamous cell carcinoma: 1. Gilotrif · 2. Opdivo · 3. Keytruda
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Class | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 2 | 72/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Programmed Death Receptor-1 Blocking Antibody | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | 70/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Programmed Death Receptor-1 Blocking Antibody | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | — | Generic | $6 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Solution | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | — | Generic | $6 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | — | Generic | $6 | View → | |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Injectable | — | No data | — | View → | |
| 9 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Solution | — | Generic | $6 | View → |
Narrow by drug class
Explore the class hubs: programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody
Full ranking · 9 treatments
gilotrif
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Gilotrif (Afatinib Dimaleate) is a medication used to treat Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Price varies
opdivo
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Opdivo (Nivolumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody used to treat Urinary Bladder Neoplasms, Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Kidney Neoplasms.
Price varies
keytruda
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody used to treat Malignant Mesothelioma, Biliary Tract Neoplasms, Urinary Bladder Neoplasms, Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma.
Price varies
droxia
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Droxia (Hydroxyurea) is a medication used to treat Brain Neoplasms, Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Pharmacy pays
~$5.86 /30
erbitux
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Erbitux (Cetuximab) is a medication used to treat Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Price varies
hydrea
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) is a medication used to treat Brain Neoplasms, Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Pharmacy pays
~$5.86 /30
Frequently asked
- What treats squamous cell carcinoma?
- Our catalog lists 9 products that may treat squamous cell carcinoma, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is gilotrif.
- What is the best-rated treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — gilotrif ranks highest among the products we list for squamous cell carcinoma. Always consult a professional.
- How are these treatments ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.
- What types of drugs treat squamous cell carcinoma?
- Treatments for squamous cell carcinoma span FDA drug classes including programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.
Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.