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Iancu D, Fulga A, Vesa D, Zenovia A, Fulga I, Sarbu MI, Tatu AL. Metastatic patterns and treatment options for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:40. [PMID: 38756868 PMCID: PMC11097132 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
According to current predictions, one-fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, which is the area of the body with the highest level of sun exposure. High-risk head and neck cSCC (HNcSCC) is a broad category with numerous high-risk factors that are associated with unfavorable results. In cSCC staging systems, clinical and tumor traits that are likely to result in poor outcomes are identified. Metastasis occurs in ~2.5% of patients with cSCC, most often in the local lymph nodes, and there is some indication that lymph node metastasis has a distinct pattern based on the tumor site. Current findings on tumor molecular targets have suggested the use of systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy (such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab), over radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of metastasis. However, when used simultaneously with immunotherapy, radiotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic HNcSCC by improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present review aims to assess the existing literature on metastatic HNcSCC pathways and treatment options, in order to define current and future directions. Notably, there is an urgent need to identify patients who may benefit from local or systemic cancer treatments. The treatment of lymph node metastasis presents a therapeutic challenge and requires comprehensive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Iancu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Ana Fulga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Doina Vesa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Andrei Zenovia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Cai Ferate’ General Hospital, 800223 Galati, Romania
| | - Iuliu Fulga
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Forensic Medicine, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ionela Sarbu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research, 800179 Galati, Romania
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Rubatto M, Sciamarrelli N, Borriello S, Pala V, Mastorino L, Tonella L, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Classic and new strategies for the treatment of advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:959289. [PMID: 36844955 PMCID: PMC9947410 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.959289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are burdened with a dismal prognosis. To improve the survival of these patients, studies on immunotherapy and target therapies in melanoma and NMSCs are rapidly increasing. BRAF and MEK inhibitors improve clinical outcomes, and anti-PD1 therapy demonstrates better results than chemotherapy or anti-CTLA4 therapy in terms of the survival of patients with advanced melanoma. In recent years, the combination therapy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab has gained ground in studies for its survival and response rate benefits in patients with advanced melanoma. In addition, neoadjuvant treatment for stages III and IV melanoma, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, has recently been discussed. Another promising strategy evaluated in recent studies is the triple combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and anti-BRAF plus anti-MEK targeted therapy. On the contrary, in advanced and metastatic BCC, successful therapeutic strategies, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are based on the inhibition of aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. In these patients, anti-PD-1 therapy with cemiplimab should be reserved as the second-line therapy in case of disease progression or poor response. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic SCC, who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy, anti-PD1 agents such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and cosibelimab (CK-301) have shown significant results in terms of response rate. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, such as avelumab, have also been used in Merkel carcinoma, achieving responses in half of the patients with advanced disease. The latest prospect emerging for MCC is the locoregional approach involving the injection of drugs that can stimulate the immune system. Two of the most promising molecules used in combination with immunotherapy are cavrotolimod (a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist) and a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist. Another area of study is cellular immunotherapy with natural killer cells stimulated with an IL-15 analog or CD4/CD8 cells stimulated with tumor neoantigens. Neoadjuvant treatment with cemiplimab in CSCCs and nivolumab in MCCs has shown promising results. Despite the successes of these new drugs, the new challenges ahead will be to select patients who will benefit from these treatments based on biomarkers and parameters of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Borriello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Mastorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tonella
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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Pulford CS, Uppalapati CK, Montgomery MR, Averitte RL, Hull EE, Leyva KJ. A Hybrid Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Ex Vivo Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169183. [PMID: 36012449 PMCID: PMC9408944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While most cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are benign, invasive cSCC is associated with higher mortality and is often more difficult to treat. As such, understanding the factors that influence the progression of cSCC are important. Aggressive cancers metastasize through a series of evolutionary changes, collectively called the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, epithelial cells transition to a highly mobile mesenchymal cell type with metastatic capacities. While changes in expression of TGF-β, ZEB1, SNAI1, MMPs, vimentin, and E-cadherin are hallmarks of an EMT process occurring within cancer cells, including cSCC cells, EMT within tissues is not an “all or none” process. Using patient-derived cSCC and adjacent normal tissues, we show that cells within individual cSCC tumors are undergoing a hybrid EMT process, where there is variation in expression of EMT markers by cells within a tumor mass that may be facilitating invasion. Interestingly, cells along the outer edges of a tumor mass exhibit a more mesenchymal phenotype, with reduced E-cadherin, β-catenin, and cytokeratin expression and increased vimentin expression. Conversely, cells in the center of a tumor mass retain a higher expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and cytokeratin and little to no expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal marker. We also detected inverse expression changes in the miR-200 family and the EMT-associated transcription factors ZEB1 and SNAI1, suggesting that cSCC EMT dynamics are regulated in a miRNA-dependent manner. These novel findings in cSCC tumors provide evidence of phenotypic plasticity of the EMT process occurring within patient tissues, and extend the characterization of a hybrid EMT program occurring within a tumor mass. This hybrid EMT program may be promoting both survival and invasiveness of the tumors. A better understanding of this hybrid EMT process may influence therapeutic strategies in more invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Pulford
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Chandana K. Uppalapati
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | | | - Richard L. Averitte
- Affiliated Dermatology & Affiliated Laboratories, 20401 N. 73rd Street #230, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Hull
- Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Leyva
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 1-623-572-3294
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Petzold A, Steeb T, Wessely A, Schatton T, Berking C, Heppt MV. Comparative efficacy analysis identifies immune checkpoint blockade as a new survival benchmark in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2022; 170:42-53. [PMID: 35594611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that may progress to locally advanced or metastatic disease. Both disease stages are managed by a variety of treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), targeted therapy to epidermal growth factor, chemotherapy or treatment combinations. However, the comparative efficacy of such treatments is unclear. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Central to identify eligible studies reporting Kaplan-Meier curves or individual patient data for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). Kaplan-Meier curves were digitised using the "'WebPlotDigitizer" program. Individual patient data was subsequently remodelled and pooled for distinct treatment groups. RESULTS Overall, 22 independent studies were included of which n = 927 patients were evaluable for PFS and n = 1054 for OS. ICB showed the highest median PFS (mPFS 9.9 months (95% CI: 8.1-19.9)) and median OS (mOS not reached (95% CI: 31.5 months-not reached)) compared to chemotherapy (mPFS 3.0 months (95% CI: 2.2-4.8), mOS 12.6 months (95% CI: 9.6-15.8)), targeted therapy to epidermal growth factor (mPFS 4.9 months (95% CI: 4.4-5.6), mOS 12.7 months (95% CI: 11.9-14.9)) and combination therapies without ICB (mPFS 9.1 months (95% CI: 8.0-12.1), mOS 18.1 months (95% CI: 16.3-22.8)). The survival benchmark with ICB after 26 months for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was 70.8% (95% CI: 61.5%-81.5%) versus 37.9% (95% CI: 29.5%-48.8%) for the combination group and 17.1% (95% CI: 9.5%-30.8%) for chemotherapy. CONCLUSION ICB is superior to other systemic treatments and sets a novel survival benchmark for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Petzold
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN) and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN) and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN) and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN) and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus V Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN) and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Cheng K, Lim JJ, Tsui K, Chow T. The five‐year outcome and its associated prognostic factors of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in Chinese. SURGICAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1744-1633.12579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ka‐Yu Cheng
- Department of Surgery Ruttonjee Hospital Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jeren Jin‐Mun Lim
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery United Christian Hospital 130 Hip Wo Street Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Kwan‐Pok Tsui
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery United Christian Hospital 130 Hip Wo Street Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Tam‐Lin Chow
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery United Christian Hospital 130 Hip Wo Street Hong Kong SAR China
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Ghidini A, Santangelo D, Vaccaro G, Chillura M, Petrelli F. Cemiplimab in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC): an overview and a clinical case. Oral Oncol 2022; 128:105847. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Current and Future Role of Radiation Therapy in the Era of Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081871. [PMID: 35454779 PMCID: PMC9032290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nodal and distant metastases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are very rare and lead to dismal prognoses. Immunotherapy is approved only for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients not amenable to surgery or curative radiation therapy. Radiation therapy has a clear role as an adjuvant treatment for locally advanced disease. Radiation therapy may also have an important role in inoperable and metastatic disease. Oligometastatic disease is a condition that needs to be defined for this carcinoma. This review aims to offer to the readers a comprehensive overview of studies about the role of radiotherapy in the management of advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, also assuming possible further developments in the light of the recent discoveries about tumor biology. The present paper has the merit of re-focusing great attention on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of radiotherapy in these not yet properly explored scenarios. Abstract Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective therapeutic option for small localized cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) among patients who are not eligible for or refuse surgery. RT also has a defined role as an adjuvant treatment in cases of adverse features that predispose to tumor recurrence after local excision. Since the development of cSCC is often a late consequence of chronic sun exposure, its occurrence is more common among elderly patients whose comorbidities may contraindicate surgical procedures. These could be impeded not only by frail medical conditions but also by technical issues. Indeed, an aggressive locoregional behavior of cSCC may culminate in unresectability due to widespread invasion of neighboring tissues. Moreover, cSCC could develop distant metastases. Both locally advanced and metastatic cSCCs carry a poor prognosis. In these scenarios, recent discoveries of tumor molecular targets are promoting the use of promising systemic therapies, especially immunotherapy, over RT. However, the results from using immunotherapy and, even more so, of chemotherapy are still not optimal. By contrast, advances in radiation delivery equipment can safely treat even large and complex-shaped cSCC targets in challenging body sites. In addition, RT could also have a role in metastatic cSCC settings by enhancing the effectiveness of concomitant immunotherapy. The aim of this review is to summarize and comment on the body of literature about the use of radiotherapy for operable and inoperable locally advanced cSCCs and for metastatic ones in an attempt to define its current and future role.
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Maeda T, Yoshino K. Management of elderly patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2022; 52:214-220. [PMID: 35088087 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has been increasing rapidly in recent years, especially among the elderly. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the findings of studies on systemic therapy for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, to review geriatric screening tools, which can assess frailty and predict treatment outcomes, and discuss the indications of their use in advanced cases. A literature review revealed that studies on systemic therapy for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma often included relatively older patients. However, there has been little research on the safety and efficacy of systemic therapy for advanced disease that takes older age and frailty into account. Notably, studies on geriatric screening for skin cancer have been conducted in recent years, mainly to detect early-stage resectable cases. The Geriatric 8 screening tool is considered the most useful for predicting post-operative complications in patients with early-stage cancer, as it can evaluate comorbidities, polypharmacy and cognition, has appropriate measurement properties, can be quickly executed and is clinically relevant, easily understandable and interpretable. This geriatric screening tool may also be applicable in advanced-stage cancer. In conclusion, despite the fact that advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma occurs mainly in the elderly, the importance of geriatric screening has not yet been fully appreciated by dermato-oncologists. In the future, geriatric screening tools should be actively used in clinical trials for the appropriate assessment of drug efficacy and toxicity in elderly patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Maeda
- Department of Dermatologic Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshino
- Department of Dermatologic Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Ishiguro A, Ogata D, Namikawa K, Takahashi A, Yamazaki N. Two cases of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma lesions on the head and neck successfully treated with nivolumab. J Dermatol 2021; 48:e434-e435. [PMID: 34018639 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ishiguro
- Department of Dermatological Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dai Ogata
- Department of Dermatological Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Namikawa
- Department of Dermatological Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Takahashi
- Department of Dermatological Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Yamazaki
- Department of Dermatological Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Advances in Targeting Cutaneous Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092090. [PMID: 33925915 PMCID: PMC8123429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cutaneous Melanoma (CM), arising from pigment-producing melanocytes in the skin, is an aggressive cancer with high metastatic potential. While cutaneous melanoma represents only a fraction of all skin cancers (<5%), it accounts for most skin-cancer-related deaths worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibition has been the first therapeutic approach to significantly benefit patient survival after treatment. Nevertheless, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the intrinsic and acquired treatment resistance of melanoma remain crucial challenges. Combining local and systemic treatment offers the potential to augment therapeutic response and overcome resistance, although, complex drug combinations can harbor an increased risk of immune-related adverse events. The aim of this review is to give current insight into studies combining systemic and local therapeutic approaches to overcome drug resistance, prime melanoma cells for therapy, and improve overall treatment response in CM patients. Abstract To date, the skin remains the most common cancer site among Caucasians in the western world. The complex, layered structure of human skin harbors a heterogenous population of specialized cells. Each cell type residing in the skin potentially gives rise to a variety of cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancer, sarcoma, and cutaneous melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma is known to exacerbate and metastasize if not detected at an early stage, with mutant melanomas tending to acquire treatment resistance over time. The intricacy of melanoma thus necessitates diverse and patient-centered targeted treatment options. In addition to classical treatment through surgical intervention and radio- or chemotherapy, several systemic and intratumoral immunomodulators, pharmacological agents (e.g., targeted therapies), and oncolytic viruses are trialed or have been recently approved. Moreover, utilizing combinations of immune checkpoint blockade with targeted, oncolytic, or anti-angiogenic approaches for patients with advanced disease progression are promising approaches currently under pre-clinical and clinical investigation. In this review, we summarize the current ‘state-of-the-art’ as well as discuss emerging agents and regimens in cutaneous melanoma treatment.
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An online review of informational sources for advanced or high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4199-4207. [PMID: 33558963 PMCID: PMC8236469 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most prevalent non-melanoma skin cancers worldwide. While usually treatable, patients with high-risk or advanced disease have few treatment options and limited resources available. This review assesses what online information resources are available to patients and their families about either high-risk or advanced cSCC. METHODS Searches were run, via Google, using 8 terms such as 'advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patient information'. Advertisements were removed and the first 3 pages/30 results from each search were screened for duplicates and then against eligibility criteria. Websites needed to have been updated within the past 5 years, be freely accessible, designed specifically for patients and refer to the advanced disease or high-risk setting. Remaining results were assessed using the DISCERN tool. RESULTS Of the final 240 results, 121 were duplicates and 104 were ineligible. The remaining 15 sources were predominantly aimed at American audiences, used variable terminology and revealed differing treatment pathways. Only 3 sites were deemed as 'high'-quality information sources. CONCLUSION There is a lack of accessible online information on high-risk or advanced cSCC for patients. What is available is often too scientific or clinical and lacks clarity about the disease and treatment options. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Further work is needed to improve the integrity and accessibility of online sources and to signpost patients to the most reliable information. This should include elements of patient led research, clinical education and information development.
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Ishii M, Hirai I, Tanese K, Fusumae T, Nakamura Y, Fukuda K, Uchi H, Kabashima K, Otsuka A, Yokota K, Yamazaki N, Namikawa K, Fujimura T, Takenouchi T, Yamamoto Y, Nishiguchi M, Sato Y, Amagai M, Funakoshi T. Anti-PD-1 antibody therapy for epithelial skin malignancies: An investigator-initiated, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase II clinical trial (NMSC-PD1 Study). Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22913. [PMID: 33126349 PMCID: PMC7598805 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant cutaneous epithelial tumors comprise various skin malignancies originating from the cutaneous epithelium, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant cutaneous adnexal tumors. Treatment options are limited, as the rarity of these tumors, especially among Asians, renders well-controlled clinical trials extremely challenging to conduct. Thus, we designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody nivolumab in patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and other rare metastatic cutaneous epithelial tumors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial involving patients with metastatic malignant cutaneous epithelial tumors. Nivolumab (480 mg) will be administered intravenously every 4 weeks for a maximum of 26 doses. The primary outcome of the study will be the response rate based on response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, version 1.1. Assuming a null hypothesis of a response rate ≤5% and an alternative hypothesis of a 25% response rate, a minimum of 26 patients are required to achieve a 5% two-sided type I error and 80% power based on the exact binomial distribution. Finally, a target cohort size of 30 patients was determined as some patient dropout will be expected. DISCUSSION This is the first phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab in Asian patients with metastatic malignant cutaneous epithelial tumors. The findings of the study will contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches for patients with rare cutaneous malignancies, which remains an unmet clinical need. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry number: jRCT 2031190048.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Ishii
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Ikuko Hirai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Keiji Tanese
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Takayuki Fusumae
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Yoshio Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Keitaro Fukuda
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermato-oncology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center
| | | | | | - Kenji Yokota
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Hospital
| | - Naoya Yamazaki
- Department of Dermatologic oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital
| | - Kenjiro Namikawa
- Department of Dermatologic oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital
| | - Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University
| | | | - Yasunori Sato
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amagai
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Takeru Funakoshi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo
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Pezeshki S, Hemmati S, Rezaei N. Novel treatments using PD1 inhibitors for advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:819-822. [PMID: 32852235 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1812389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saharnaz Pezeshki
- Cancer Immunology Project Interest Group (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hemmati
- Cancer Immunology Project Interest Group (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Tehran, Iran
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14
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Fujimura T, Kambayashi Y, Tono H, Lyu C, Ohuchi K, Hashimoto A, Aiba S. Successful treatment of unresectable recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp with meningeal invasion with nivolumab monotherapy. Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e13672. [DOI: 10.1111/dth.13672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Yumi Kambayashi
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Hisayuki Tono
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Chinbing Lyu
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Kentaro Ohuchi
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Akira Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Setsuya Aiba
- Department of Dermatology Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
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