Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Fania, Luca and Didona, Dario and Di Pietro, Francesca Romana and Verkhovskaia, Sofia and Morese, Roberto and Paolino, Giovanni and Donati, Michele and Ricci, Francesca and Coco, Valeria and Ricci, Francesco and Candi, Eleonora and Abeni, Damiano and Dellambra, Elena (2021) Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines, 9 (2). p. 171. ISSN 2227-9059

[thumbnail of biomedicines-09-00171-v2.pdf] Text
biomedicines-09-00171-v2.pdf - Published Version

Download (4MB)

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a non-melanoma skin cancer, is a keratinocyte carcinoma representing one of the most common cancers with an increasing incidence. cSCC could be in situ (e.g., Bowen’s disease) or an invasive form. A significant cSCC risk factor is advanced age, together with cumulative sun exposure, fair skin, prolonged immunosuppression, and previous skin cancer diagnoses. Although most cSCCs can be treated by surgery, a fraction of them recur and metastasize, leading to death. cSCC could arise de novo or be the result of a progression of the actinic keratosis, an in situ carcinoma. The multistage process of cSCC development and progression is characterized by mutations in the genes involved in epidermal homeostasis and by several alterations, such as epigenetic modifications, viral infections, or microenvironmental changes. Thus, cSCC development is a gradual process with several histological- and pathological-defined stages. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy enhanced the diagnostic accuracy of cSCC. Surgical excision is the first-line treatment for invasive cSCC. Moreover, radiotherapy may be considered as a primary treatment in patients not candidates for surgery. Extensive studies of cSCC pathogenic mechanisms identified several pharmaceutical targets and allowed the development of new systemic therapies, including immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Cemiplimab, and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors for metastatic and locally advanced cSCC. Furthermore, the implementation of prevention measures has been useful in patient management.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: STM Library > Biological Science
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2023 07:10
Last Modified: 30 May 2024 06:24
URI: http://open.journal4submit.com/id/eprint/913

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item