Inferior outcomes in immunosuppressed patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with surgery and radiation therapy

The Proimmunomodulatory and Anti-immunomodulatory Effects of Radiotherapy in Oncologic Care

The abscopal effect in radiotherapy (RT) refers to the phenomenon where localized radiation treatment causes regression of distant, nonirradiated tumors. Although rare, recent research shows that combining radiation with immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, can enhance this effect. The interaction between radiation-induced cell death, immune responses, and the tumor microenvironment manifests in competing biologic mechanisms resulting in complex immunologic outcomes. In order to maximize the therapeutic advantages of the immunogenic effect of RT in the future, further studies are needed to fully understand its biologic underpinnings.

Combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in duality with the protumoral action of radiation

Radiotherapy is widely used to treat various cancers. Its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is intensively studied preclinically and clinically. Although the first results were very encouraging, the number of patients who respond positively remains low, and the therapeutic benefit is often temporary. This review summarizes how radiation can stimulate an antitumor immune response and its combination with immunotherapy based on inhibiting immune checkpoints. We will provide an overview of radiotherapy parameters that should be better controlled to avoid downregulating the antitumor immune response. The low response rate of combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy could, at least in part, be caused by the stimulation of cancer cell invasion and metastasis development that occur at similar doses and number of radiation fractions. To end on a positive note, we explore how a targeted inhibition of the inflammatory cytokines induced by radiation with a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor could both support an antitumor immune response and block radiation-induced metastasis formation.

Current Advances and Challenges in the Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunosuppressed Patients

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin malignancy and poses a significant risk to immunosuppressed patients, such as solid organ transplant recipients and those with hematopoietic malignancies, who are up to 100 times more likely to develop cSCC compared with the general population. This review summarizes the current state of treatment for cSCC in immunosuppressed patients, focusing on prevention, prophylaxis, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and emerging therapies. Preventative measures, including high-SPF sunscreen and prophylactic retinoids, are crucial for reducing cSCC incidence in these patients. Adjusting immunosuppressive regimens, particularly favoring mTOR inhibitors over calcineurin inhibitors, has been shown to lower cSCC risk. Surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery remain the primary treatments, with adjuvant radiation therapy recommended for high-risk cases. Traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors have been utilized, though their efficacy varies. Immunotherapy, particularly with agents like cemiplimab and pembrolizumab, has shown promise, but its use in immunosuppressed patients requires further investigation due to potential risks of organ rejection and exacerbation of underlying conditions. Treatment of cSCC in immunosuppressed patients is multifaceted, involving preventive strategies, tailored surgical approaches, and cautious use of systemic therapies. While immunotherapy has emerged as a promising option, its application in immunosuppressed populations necessitates further research to optimize safety and efficacy. Future studies should focus on the integration of personalized medicine and combination therapies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable patient group.

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Retrospective Analysis of Loco-Regional Recurrences and Survival Rates Over a Consecutive 10-Year Period

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers worldwide. Due to the ever-increasing sun exposure and life expectancy, cSCCs are increasing worldwide. The aim of our study was to identify specific risk factors leading to local and regional recurrences, determine patients' survival rates, and identify best practices for the management of cSCC.

METHODOLOGY

This study retrospectively analyzed 1197 head and neck cSCCs in 945 patients who consecutively presented to the clinics from January 2007 to December 2016. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 18 months.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients (3%) developed loco-regional recurrences (26 local, one regional, and two both local and regional) with a median time to recurrence of 25 (range, 1-81) months. The mean follow-up was 32 (range, 5-90) months. Treatment modality (p=0.027), depth of invasion (p<0.001), diameter > 20 mm (p<0.001), gender (p=0.022), histological differentiation (p<0.001), site of the lesion (p<0.001), perineural and intravascular invasion (p<0.001), positive lymphadenopathy (p=0.021), immunosuppression (p<0.001), and history of treatment (p=0.008) proved to be strong predictors for loco-regional recurrences. At one and five years after diagnosis, 95.6% and 59.9% of all patients were recurrence-free, respectively. The median survival time from recurrence was 2.6 years.

CONCLUSION

Our study identifies prognostic indicators for reoccurrence by analyzing data from a large continuous cohort in the management of cSCCs.

Patterns of major cutaneous surgeries and reconstructions in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the USA

Aim: Since use of major cutaneous surgeries/reconstructions among patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is not well described, we sought to quantify major cutaneous surgeries/reconstructions among patients with CSCC who were newly diagnosed and for those treated with systemic therapy, stratified by immune status. Methods: We used the Optum® Clinformatics® Data Mart database (2013-2020) and Kaplan-Meier estimators to assess risk of surgeries/reconstructions. Results: 450,803 patients were identified with an incident CSCC diagnosis, including 4111 patients with CSCC who initiated systemic therapy. The respective 7-year risks of major cutaneous surgeries/reconstructions were 10.9% (95% CI: 10.7-11.0) and 21.8% (95% CI: 17.6-25.8). Overall risk of major cutaneous surgeries/reconstructions was higher in patients who were immunocompromised than those who were immunocompetent. Conclusion: Approximately one in nine patients with CSCC will undergo ≥1 major cutaneous surgeries/reconstructions within 7 years of diagnosis; the risk increases in patients who initiate systemic therapy and among those who are immunocompromised.

Tumour Recurrence, Depth of Invasion, and Temple Location as Independent Prognostic Parameters of Lymph Node Metastases of Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas

The excellent survival rate of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) exceeding 90% is reduced by the presence of nodal metastases by over 50%. We analysed various risk parameters of cSCC to predict the incidence of nodal metastases. A total of 118 patients with the head cSCC were included in a single-institution retrospective study covering the period from 2008 to 2020. Tumour recurrence, temple location, and tumour infiltration depth were found to be independent predictors of nodal metastases (increasing the probability of metastases by 8.0, 8.1, and 4.3 times, respectively). Furthermore, univariate analysis shows that the tumour size and T stage are significant factors increasing the risk of metastases. Several independent risk factors for the development of metastases in the head cSCC have been confirmed. These findings might help identify at-risk patients who require additional attention for adequate radical treatment and close follow-up. In contrast, elective treatment of lymph nodes is not recommended due to the low incidence of regional metastases.

Outcomes of Head and Neck Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparison of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients to Nontransplant Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with solid organ transplant (SOT) are at increased risk of developing aggressive cutaneous malignancies due to their immunosuppression, particularly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

PURPOSE

There is limited data regarding SOT patients with locally advanced cSCC requiring radical surgery and microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT). Our objectives were to characterize outcomes in SOT patients and compare them with a non-SOT cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing MVFTT for advanced cSCC of the head and neck between January 2016 and May 2020 at a tertiary referral center. Patients who underwent MVFTT as part of curative intent surgery for advanced cSCC during the study were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included distant metastasis, palliative intent treatment, age less than 18 years, and lip primaries.

PREDICTOR

The predictor variable was SOT status. A cohort of non-SOT patients was matched to the SOT cohort based on age, smoking status, tumor stage, and defect size.

MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES

The primary reconstructive outcome was the major surgical complications and secondary outcome measures included major medical complications and minor surgical complications. The primary oncologic outcome was overall survival and the secondary outcome was disease-specific survival. The primary predictor was transplant status.

COVARIATES

Covariates included patient comorbidities, prior treatment, tumor stage, type of reconstruction, pathologic findings, and adjuvant therapy.

ANALYSIS

Continuous and categorical variables were compared using Student's T test and Fisher's exact test. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival between groups were calculated using the log-rank test. Statistical significance was set a priori at P ≤ .05.

RESULTS

Fourteen SOT and 14 matched non-SOT patients met inclusion criteria. There was not a statistically significant difference in the rate of major surgical complications (7 vs 7%, P = .74) between the SOT and non-SOT cohorts. Rates of minor (21 vs 43%, P = .26) wound complications and medical complications (0 vs 14%, P = .24) were also similar between the SOT and non-SOT cohorts. Locoregional recurrences and distant metastasis were more common for SOT patients, though this was not statistically significant. Overall survival was significantly worse for SOT patients (21.7 vs 31.0 months, P = .04), though there was not a significant difference in disease-free survival (9.8 vs 31.0 months, P = .17).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

MVFTT in the management of SOT patients with locally advanced head and neck cSCC demonstrates similar complication rates with non-SOT patients. While survival and oncologic outcomes are worse in the SOT cohort, aggressive surgical intervention with MVFTT can be performed with comparable complication rates to patients without a history of SOT.

A Comprehensive Landscape of De Novo Malignancy After Double Lung Transplantation

Although the association between post-transplant malignancy (PTM) and immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation has been studied, an integrated review of PTM after lung transplantation is lacking. We investigated the incidence and types of de novo PTM and its impact on survival following double lung transplantation (DLT). The incidence and type of PTM as well as the annual and cumulative risks of each malignancy after DLT were analyzed. The overall survival (OS) of recipients with or without PTM was compared by the Kaplan-Meier survival method and landmark analysis. There were 5,629 cases (23.52%) with 27 types of PTMs and incidences and OS varied according to the types of PTMs. The recipients with PTM showed a significantly longer OS than those without PTM (p < 0.001). However, while the recipients with PTM showed significantly better OS at 3, and 5 years (p < 0.001, p = 0.007), it was worse at the 10-year landmark time (p = 0.013). And the single PTM group showed a worse OS rate than the multiple PTM group (p < 0.001). This comprehensive report on PTM following DLT can help understand the risks and timing of PTM to improve the implementation of screening and treatment.

Validation of the 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Risk Stratification for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

The 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reclassified cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) into low-, high-, and very high-risk groups to better risk stratify tumors. Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs) or peripheral and deep en face margin assessment (PDEMA) became preferred surgical modalities for high- and very high-risk tumors. This new risk stratification and the recommendation for Mohs or PDEMA in high- and very high-risk groups have not been validated.

Objective

To compare outcomes in very high-, high-, and low-risk NCCN groups of CSCCs and in CSCCs treated with Mohs or PDEMA compared with wide local excision (WLE).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study of CSCCs was performed in 2 tertiary care academic medical centers. Patients 18 years or older and diagnosed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2019, at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Foundation were included. Data were analyzed from October 20, 2021, to March 29, 2023.

Exposures

NCCN risk group, Mohs or PDEMA, and WLE.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Local recurrence (LR), nodal metastasis (NM), distant metastasis (DM), and disease-specific death (DSD).

Results

A total of 10 196 tumors from 8727 patients were stratified by NCCN guidelines into low-, high-, and very high-risk groups (6003 [59.0%] men; mean [SD] age, 72.4 [11.8] years). Compared with the low-risk group, the high- and very high-risk groups demonstrated a greater risk of LR (high-risk subhazard ratio [SHR], 1.99 [95% CI, 1.21-3.27; P = .007]; very high-risk SHR, 12.66 [95% CI, 7.86-20.39; P < .001]), NM (high-risk SHR, 4.26 [95% CI, 1.28-14.23; P = .02]; very high-risk SHR, 62.98 [95% CI, 19.24-206.17; P < .001]), DM (high-risk SHR, 2.2 × 107 [95% CI, 4.7 × 103-1.1 × 1011; P < .001]; very high-risk SHR, 6.3 × 108 [95% CI, 1.4 × 105-2.9 × 1012; P < .001]), and DSD (high-risk SHR, 4.02 [95% CI, 1.18-13.71; P = .03]; very high-risk SHR, 93.87 [95% CI, 29.19-301.85; P < .001]). Adjusted 5-year cumulative incidence was significantly higher in very high- vs high- and low-risk groups for LR (9.4% [95% CI, 9.2%-14.0%] vs 1.5% [95% CI, 1.4%-2.1%] and 0.8% [95% CI, 0.5%-1.2%], respectively), NM (7.3% [95% CI, 6.8%-10.9%] vs 0.5% [95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%] and 0.1% [95% CI, 0.03%-0.3%], respectively), DM (3.9% [95% CI, 2.6%-5.6%] vs 0.1% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.2%] and 0.01% [95% CI, not applicable], respectively), and DSD (10.5% [95% CI, 10.3%-15.4%] vs 0.5% [95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%] and 0.1% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.3%], respectively). Compared with CSCCs treated with WLE, those treated with Mohs or PDEMA had lower risk of LR (SHR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46-0.90]; P = .009), DM (SHR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.18-0.83]; P = .02), and DSD (SHR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.84]; P = .006).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that the NCCN high- and very high-risk groups identify CSCCs at greatest risk for developing poor outcomes. Further, Mohs or PDEMA resulted in lower LR, DM, and DSD compared with WLE.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the United States. While surgery is considered as the main treatment modality for both cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (cBCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of NMSC, both in the adjuvant setting for cases considered high-risk for recurrence, and in the definitive setting, when surgery is not feasible or desired by the patient. The last years have seen the emergence of immunotherapy treatment for cases of advanced cSCC in the palliative, and possibly neoadjuvant settings, making the treatment paradigm more complex. In this review, we attempt to describe the different radiation modalities available for the treatment of NMSC, the indications for adjuvant post-operative treatment with radiotherapy for cSCC, the role of radiotherapy in elective neck treatment, and the efficacy, safety, and toxicity profile of this treatment in these different settings. Furthermore, we aim to describe the efficacy of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy as a promising horizon for treating advanced cSCC. We also aim to describe the ongoing clinical studies that attempt to examine future directions for the role of radiation treatment in NMSC.

Harnessing the Immunological Effects of Radiation to Improve Immunotherapies in Cancer

Ionizing radiation (IR) is used to treat 50% of cancers. While the cytotoxic effects related to DNA damage with IR have been known since the early 20th century, the role of the immune system in the treatment response is still yet to be fully determined. IR can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which activates innate and adaptive immunity against the cancer. It has also been widely reported that an intact immune system is essential to IR efficacy. However, this response is typically transient, and wound healing processes also become upregulated, dampening early immunological efforts to overcome the disease. This immune suppression involves many complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that ultimately result in the generation of radioresistance in many cases. Understanding the mechanisms behind these responses is challenging as the effects are extensive and often occur simultaneously within the tumor. Here, we describe the effects of IR on the immune landscape of tumors. ICD, along with myeloid and lymphoid responses to IR, are discussed, with the hope of shedding light on the complex immune stimulatory and immunosuppressive responses involved with this cornerstone cancer treatment. Leveraging these immunological effects can provide a platform for improving immunotherapy efficacy in the future.

Surgical factors affecting regionally metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid gland

BACKGROUND

Understanding the impact of surgical treatment on regionally metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

METHODS

Retrospective series of 145 patients undergoing parotidectomy and neck dissection for regionally metastatic cSCC to the parotid. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) analyzed over 3 years. Multivariate analysis was completed using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

OS was 74.5%, DSS was 85.5% and DFS was 64.8%. On multivariate analysis, immune status (HR = 3.225[OS], 5.119[DSS], 2.071[DFS]) and lymphovascular invasion (HR = 2.380[OS], 5.237[DSS], 2.595[DFS]) were predictive for OS, DSS, and DFS. Margin status (HR = 2.296[OS], 2.499[DSS]) and ≥18 resected nodes (HR = 0.242[OS], 0.255[DSS]) were predictive of OS and DSS, while adjuvant therapy was predictive of DSS (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppression and lymphovascular invasion portended worse outcomes in patients with metastatic cSCC to the parotid. Microscopically positive margins and <18 nodes resected are associated with worse OS and DSS, while patients receiving adjuvant therapy had improved DSS.

Association of Patient Risk Factors, Tumor Characteristics, and Treatment Modality With Poor Outcomes in Primary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually curable; however, a subset of patients develops poor outcomes, including local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and disease-specific death.

Objectives

To evaluate all evidence-based reports of patient risk factors and tumor characteristics associated with poor outcomes in primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and to identify treatment modalities that minimize poor outcomes.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies of the topic in humans, published in the English language, from database inception through February 8, 2022.

Study Selection

Two authors independently screened the identified articles and included those that were original research with a sample size of 10 patients or more and that assessed risk factors and/or treatment modalities associated with poor outcomes among patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was performed by a single author, per international guidelines. The search terms, study objectives, and protocol methods were defined before study initiation. A total of 310 studies were included for full-text assessment. Owing to heterogeneity of the included studies, a random-effects model was used. Data analyses were performed from May 25 to September 15, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For studies of risk factors, risk ratios and incidence proportions; and for treatment studies, incidence proportions.

Results

In all, 129 studies and a total of 137 449 patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and 126 553 tumors were included in the meta-analysis. Several patient risk factors and tumor characteristics were associated with local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, disease-specific death, and all-cause death were identified. Among all factors reported by more than 1 study, the highest risks for local recurrence and disease-specific death were associated with tumor invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (risk ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 2.8-29.2] and 10.4 [95% CI, 3.0- 36.3], respectively), and the highest risk of any metastasis was associated with perineural invasion (risk ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.3-11.1). Patients who received Mohs micrographic surgery had the lowest incidence of nearly all poor outcomes; however, in some results, the 95% CIs overlapped with those of other treatment modalities.

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis identified the prognostic value of several risk factors and the effectiveness of the available treatment modalities. These findings carry important implications for the prognostication, workup, treatment, and follow-up of patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022311250.

Clinical outcomes of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas treated with Mohs surgery alone: An analysis of local recurrence, regional nodal metastases, progression-free survival, and disease-specific death

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) continues to increase, and it is now predicted that the number of deaths from cSCC will surpass that of melanoma within the next 5 years. Although most cSCCs are successfully treated, there exists an important subset of high-risk tumors that have the highest propensity for local recurrence (LR), nodal metastasis (NM), and disease-specific death (DSD).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the clinical outcomes of high-risk cSCCs treated with Mohs surgery (MS) alone, analyzing LR, NM, distant metastasis, and DSD. In addition, we analyzed progression-free survival and DSD in patients who underwent salvage head/neck dissection for regional NMs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all high-risk cSCC treated in our clinics between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2020, with follow-up through April 1, 2020.

SETTING

Two university-affiliated, private-practice MS referral centers.

RESULTS

In total, 581 high-risk primary cSCCs were identified in 527 patients, of which follow-up data were obtained for 579 tumors. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 95.7%, with a mean survival time of 18.6 years. The 5-year LR-free survival was 96.9%, the regional NM-free survival was 93.8%, and the distant metastasis-free survival was 97.3%. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival rates from metastatic disease were 92.6 and 90.0%, respectively. In patients who experienced regional NMs and underwent salvage head and neck dissection with or without radiation, the 2-year disease-specific survival was 90.5%.

CONCLUSION

Our cohort, which is the largest high-risk cSCC cohort treated with MS to date, experienced lower rates of LR, NM, and DSD than those reported with historical reference controls using both the Brigham and Women's Hospital and American Joint Committee on Cancer, Eighth Edition, staging systems. We demonstrated that MS confers a disease-specific survival advantage over historical wide local excision for high-risk tumors. Moreover, by improving local tumor control, MS appears to reduce the frequency of regional metastatic disease and may confer a survival advantage even for patients who develop regional metastases.

The Current Treatment Landscape of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common form of skin cancer worldwide. The global incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is rising, with an estimated 2.4 million cases diagnosed in 2019. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor for developing CSCC. Most early-stage CSCCs are treated successfully with surgery or radiotherapy; however, locally advanced or metastatic disease can be associated with significant morbidity or mortality. Recently, the treatment paradigm for advanced CSCC has been revolutionised by the introduction of immunotherapy, which can achieve a response rate of approximately 50% with durable cancer control, and significant improvement in quality of life. With the regulatory approval of programmed death-1 (PD-1)-targeting drugs since 2018, immunotherapy is now recognised as the standard of care for first-line systemic therapy in advanced or metastatic CSCC.

Skin Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Review for the Nondermatologist

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk for the development of skin cancer compared with the general population, which requires consistent monitoring and management from a multidisciplinary team. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview for nondermatologist clinicians, outlining skin cancer diagnosis, treatment pearls, and skin cancer prevention strategies as they relate to SOTRs. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted through the MEDLINE database with search terms including organ transplantation, transplant recipient, skin cancer, cutaneous neoplasms, management, and therapies. The search was limited to the English language and dates ranging from January 1, 2011, to December 28, 2021. All studies were reviewed for inclusion. Skin cancer will develop in more than half of SOTRs at some point in their life, most often nonmelanoma skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma and rarer cutaneous malignant neoplasms, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma, are also more frequent among SOTRs. A multidisciplinary effort at skin cancer screening and patient education is invaluable to prevent skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in this population of patients. Reduction in immunosuppressive medications and surgical intervention are effective therapeutic approaches, and more novel systemic therapies including G protein-coupled receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors are possible options when traditional treatment approaches are not feasible. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy, however, comes with the risk of allograft rejection. With a growing and aging SOTR population, it is essential that SOTRs have support from dermatologists and nondermatologists alike in skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Immune status does not independently influence cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastasis and death when stratified by tumor stage: A dual-center retrospective cohort analysis of primary N0 disease

BACKGROUND

Although immunocompromised patients have a higher risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, it is unknown whether immune status is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma outcomes in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients when controlling for T-stage.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study at 2 tertiary care centers, examining 989 primary tumors from 814 immunocompromised patients (solid organ transplant: 259 [31.7%], chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 113 [13.9%]) and 6608 tumors from 4198 immunocompetent patients. Our primary outcome was the composite of disease-specific death or tumor metastasis ("poor outcomes").

RESULTS

Immunocompromised patients had 50% more high T-stage tumors (ie, Brigham and Women's Hospital stage T2b and T3), than immunocompetent patients (3.3% vs 4.9%, respectively; P < .001). Significant predictors of poor outcomes included tumor stage (sub hazards ratio [SHR], 14.8 for high T-stage tumors; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0-27.6; P < .001) and male sex (SHR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8; P = .002). Immune status was not a significant predictor (SHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.69-1.6; P = .85).

LIMITATIONS

This study is retrospective.

CONCLUSION

Although immunocompromised patients had 50% more high T-stage tumors than immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients had a similar chance of metastasis and disease-specific death when adjusting for T-stage in our cohort of primary tumors.

The paradox of radiation and T cells in tumors

In this review we consider what appears to be a paradox in immunotherapies based around radiation therapy. The paradox is based on three main points. 1. That T cells are needed for radiation's efficacy; 2. That tumor-specific T cells are enriched in the field of treatment; and 3. That radiation kills T cells in the treatment field. We discuss evidence of the effect of radiation on T cells in the field given their ongoing movement in and out of tissues and the tumor, and how the movement of T cells impacts the treated primary tumor and untreated distant metastases. Given this evidence, we revisit the paradox to understand how the extraordinary efficacy of radiation and immunity in preclinical models is dependent on this radiation sensitive cell.

Risk Factors and Diagnosis of Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer affecting humans. The combination of the increasing incidence and high mortality in advanced stages of the disease, defines cSCC as an emerging public health problem. Advanced disease includes metastatic and locally advanced cSCC. Metastatic disease refers to the presence of locoregional metastasis (in transit or to regional lymph nodes) or distant metastasis. Locally advanced disease has been defined as non-metastatic cSCC that is unlikely to be cured with surgery, radiotherapy, or combination treatment. While metastatic cSCC is easily diagnosed, locally advanced disease lacks consensus definition and diagnosis is made after multidisciplinary board consultation. Identifying patients with aggressive cSCC at highest risk for relapse may prevent the occurrence of advanced disease. Prognostic factors suggested by most guidelines include tumor diameter (>2 cm), localization on temple/ear/lip/area, thickness (>6 mm), or invasion beyond subcutaneous fat, poor grade of differentiation, desmoplasia, perineural invasion, bone erosion, immunosuppression, undefined borders, recurrence, growth rate, site of prior radiotherapy, and lymphatic or vascular involvement. Although risk factors associated with worse outcomes are well known, there is still a gap of knowledge on the precise risk of each factor taken individually. The aim of this review is to summarize cSCC prognostic factors and encompass the various staging systems to guide management and follow-up in cSCC patients at higher risk for local recurrence and metastasis. Finally, we describe the hallmarks of the advanced disease. Advanced cSCC diagnosis should be made by a multidisciplinary board considering patients' performance status and disease characteristics.

Evidence-Based Consensus Recommendations for the Evolving Treatment of Patients with High-Risk and Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer in the United States. Currently, there is no standardized management approach for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who develop metastatic or locally advanced disease and are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. To address this issue, the Expert Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Leadership program convened an expert steering committee to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations on the basis of a large, structured literature review. Consensus was achieved through modified Delphi methodology. The steering committee included five dermatologists, three medical oncologists, two head and neck surgeons, one radiation oncologist, and a patient advocacy group representative. The steering committee aligned on the following clinical topics: diagnosis and identification of patients considered not candidates for surgery; staging systems and risk stratification in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; the role of radiation therapy, surgery, and systemic therapy in the management of advanced disease, with a focus on immunotherapy; referral patterns; survivorship care; and inclusion of the patient's perspective. Consensus was achieved on 34 recommendations addressing 12 key clinical questions. The Expert Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Leadership steering committee's evidence-based consensus recommendations may provide healthcare professionals with practically oriented guidance to help optimize outcomes for patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The immunoexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Although cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) account for only 20–25% of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), they are responsible for most deaths attributable to NMSCs. Apart from SCC seric level, which increases in late-stage disease, no other predictive biomarker for cSCC exists. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) serves as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in numerous malignancies. EGFR immunoexpression is highly elevated in head and neck mucosal SCC. However, its immunoexpression pattern, its relationship with prognosis and survival, and the effect of EGFR targeted therapy in advanced cSCC have not been clarified. We assessed EGFR immunoexpression in 18 cases of cSCC and correlated our findings with the clinicopathological features. Immunohistochemical stainings with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies were practiced and the membrane and cytoplasmic immunostaining intensity and quality in the tumors and the non-lesional epithelium were analyzed. Membrane EGFR immunoexpression within the tumors increased with the tumor grade. EGFR overexpression was more frequently found in head and neck cSCCs. We did not find a direct relationship between cytoplasmic EGFR immunoexpression and clinicopathological findings and prognosis. Our results confirm that increased EGFR immunoexpression correlates with aggressive cSCC phenotypes and underline the need for novel treatments for these patients.

Adjuvant therapy for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: 10-year review

Standard of care for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is surgical excision of the primary lesion with clear margins when possible, and additional resection of positive margins when feasible. Even with negative margins, certain high-risk factors warrant consideration of adjuvant therapy. However, which patients might benefit from adjuvant therapy is unclear, and supporting evidence is conflicting and limited to mostly small retrospective cohorts. Here, we review literature from the last decade regarding adjuvant radiation therapy and systemic therapy in high-risk cSCC, including recent and current trials and the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We demonstrate evidence gaps in adjuvant therapy for high-risk cSCC and the need for prognostic tools, such as gene expression profiling, to guide patient selection. More large-cohort clinical studies are needed for collecting high-quality, evidence-based data for determining which patients with high-risk cSCC may benefit from adjuvant therapy and which therapy is most appropriate for patient management.

Investigative Landscape in Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

OPINION STATEMENT

Advanced non-melanoma skin cancers have been challenging to treat due to limited treatment options. Treatment paradigm has shifted with the approval of immunotherapeutic agents cemiplimab and pembrolizumab which have been a key development and have changed the landscape of advanced or metastatic squamous cell skin cancers. Hedgehog inhibitors, vismodegib and sonidegib, remain upfront options for advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinomas. Current clinical trials are continuing to evaluate the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and hedgehog pathway inhibitors. There is further need for ongoing research and development of new therapies in both malignancies.

Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancers in the High-Risk Immunosuppressed Population

The immunosuppressed (IS) population encompasses a diverse cohort of patients to include iatrogenically immunocompromised organ transplant recipients as well as patients with chronic lymphoid malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. Cutaneous cancers in this high-risk patient group are clinically distinct from the general immunocompetent population, showing aggressive behavior with associated poor outcomes. This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, incidence, prognosis, and special considerations required in managing cutaneous cancers in the IS patient population.

Association of Immunosuppression With Outcomes of Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Importance

Patients with immunosuppression have a higher incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and often present with more aggressive, multifocal disease.

Objectives

To determine the risks for mortality in patients with cSCC and immunosuppression compared with nonimmunosuppression and to compare the difference in mortality risk based on the cause of immunocompromise.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study of patients with cSCC of the head and neck recruited participants from a tertiary cancer care center. Patients who underwent no treatment, wide local excision, or biopsy of the lesions were eligible for inclusion from January 1, 1995, to September 30, 2015. Data were analyzed from March 21, 2018, to April 4, 2019.

Exposures

Immunocompromise, defined as having solid organ transplant, stem cell transplant, hematopoetic malignant disease, autoimmune disease requiring treatment with immunosuppressive therapy, type 1 or 2 diabetes treated with insulin, HIV or AIDS, or other hematoproliferative disorder.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their immune status (immunosuppression vs no immunosuppression). The primary outcome measure was disease-specific survival. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the association of immune status with disease outcome.

Results

A total of 796 patients (680 men [85.4%]; median age, 69 [range, 27-98] years), including 147 with and 649 without immunosuppression (IS and non-IS groups, respectively), constituted the final cohort. In the IS group, 77 (52.4%) had diabetes, 39 (26.5%) had lymphoma or leukemia, 25 (17.0%) had an organ or stem cell transplant, and 3 (2.0%) had HIV. Five-year disease-specific survival was 68.2% in the IS group compared with 84.1% in the non-IS group (difference, 15.9%; 95% CI, 3.5%-27.4%). Immunosuppression was independently associated with worse disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.53-3.50).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study's findings suggest that immunosuppression is independently associated with a worse outcome in cSCC, with a 2.32 times increased risk of disease-specific death after adjusting for age, history of skin cancer, recurrent or persistent disease status, disease stage, and treatment.

Matrix metalloproteinases in keratinocyte carcinomas

The incidence of cutaneous keratinocyte-derived cancers is increasing globally. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer. BCC can be classified into subtypes based on the histology, and these subtypes are classified further into low- and high-risk tumors. There is an increasing need to identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of unresectable and metastatic cSCC, and for aggressive BCC variants such as infiltrating, basosquamous or morpheaform BCCs. The most important risk factor for BCC and cSCC is solar UV radiation, which causes genetic and epigenetic alterations in keratinocytes. Similar gene mutations are noted already in sun-exposed normal skin emphasizing the role of the alterations in the tumor microenvironment in the progression of cSCC. Early events in cSCC progression are alterations in the composition of basement membrane and dermal extracellular matrix induced by influx of microbes, inflammatory cells and activated stromal fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts promote inflammation and produce growth factors and proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Transforming growth factor-β produced by tumor cells and fibroblasts induces the expression of MMPs by cSCC cells and promotes their invasion. Fibroblast-derived keratinocyte growth factor suppresses the malignant phenotype of cSCC cells by inhibiting the expression of several MMPs. These findings emphasize the importance of interplay of tumor and stromal cells in the progression of cSCC and BCC and suggest tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cSCC and aggressive subtypes of BCC.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a long-term retrospective study of Japanese patients

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers. Prognosis is favorable following surgical resection of early-stage disease, but the management of the metastatic disease is challenging. Several prognostic risk factors have been described in the American Joint Committee on Cancer/the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) 8th edition staging and the Brigham and Women's Hospital T classification system. However, their clinical validity in Asian populations is unclear because of racial differences in the clinical characteristics of CSCC. This study aimed to identify factors that could predict lymph node metastasis in Asian patients.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study evaluated 540 patients with primary CSCC between 1989 and 2013. Five factors were evaluated for their ability to predict lymph node metastasis: maximum tumor diameter, tumor thickness, depth of invasion, degree of differentiation, and infiltrative growth pattern (INF).

RESULTS

Tumor diameter > 2 cm (p < 0.0001), tumor thickness > 6 mm (p < 0.0001), invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat (p < 0.0001), poor differentiation (p = 0.042), and INFc infiltration (p < 0.0001) were associated with lymph node metastasis in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis was independently associated with tumor size > 2 cm [hazard ratio (HR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-6.2; p = 0.006], tumor thickness > 6.0 mm (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.4; p = 0.007), and invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0-5.1; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Larger tumor diameter, greater tumor thickness, and deeper invasion included in the UICC T classification system are associated with increased risks of lymph node metastasis from CSCC in Japanese patients.

Identifying risk factors for the prognosis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In this study, we sought to identify the potential impacts of disease characteristics on the prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception until February 2020 to identify studies that investigated the prognosis of cSCC. The pooled effect estimates were applied using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were calculated using the random-effects model. Forty-three studies including a total of 21,530 patients and reporting 28,627 cases of cSCC were selected for the final meta-analysis. Poor differentiation (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 2.30–5.46; P < 0.001), perineural invasion (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.60–6.67; P = 0.001), Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 2.63–11.37; P < 0.001), diameter greater than 20 mm (OR, 4.62; 95% CI, 2.95–7.23; P < 0.001), and location on temple (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.12–9.15; P = 0.030) were associated with an increased risk of recurrence, whereas immunosuppression status and location on cheek, ear, or lip were not associated with the risk of recurrence. Poor differentiation (OR, 6.82; 95% CI, 4.66–9.99; P < 0.001); perineural invasion (OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 4.73–10.83; P < 0.001); Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 6.11; 95% CI, 4.05–9.21; P < 0.001); diameter greater than 20 mm (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.56–9.80; P < 0.001); and location on ear (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.39–4.09; P = 0.002), lip (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.26–3.68; P = 0.005), and temple (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.20–6.40; P = 0.017) were associated with an increased risk of metastasis, whereas immunosuppression status and location on cheek did not affect the risk of metastasis. Finally, poor differentiation (OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.82–19.62; P = 0.003), perineural invasion (OR, 6.64; 95% CI, 3.63–12.12; P < 0.001), and Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.76–6.66; P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of disease-specific death, whereas diameter; immunosuppression status; and location on ear, lip, and temple did not affect the risk of disease-specific death. We found that differentiation, perineural invasion, depth, diameter, and location could affect the prognosis of cSCC. The potential role of other patient characteristics on the prognosis of cSCC should be identified in further large-scale prospective studies.

Risk factors and timing of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Information about the frequency and timing of subsequent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), along with associated risk factors, is limited. However, this information is crucial to guide follow-up care for these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk and timing of subsequent cSCC in patients who presented with an initial diagnosis of cSCC.

METHODS

Retrospective review of an institutional review board-approved, single-institution registry of invasive cSCC. All patients had at least 2 primary cSCCs diagnosed on 2 separate dates 2 months apart.

RESULTS

A total of 299 primary cSCCs were included. At 6 months from initial cSCC diagnosis, 18.06% (n = 54) of patients developed subsequent cSCC; at 1 year, 31.77% (n = 94); at 3 years, 67.56% (n = 202); and at 5 years, 87.96% (n = 263) developed subsequent cSCC. Risk factors associated with subsequent cSCC include age at initial diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.004-1.027; P = .008), T2 stage (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.07-2.57; P = .025), and poor tumor grade. Tumor grades well, moderate, and unknown have HRs of 0.21 (P < .001), 0.16 (P .001), and 0.25 (P = .001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Of patients who develop subsequent cSCC, 18.06% do so within 6 months, and 31.77% do so within 1 year of initial cSCC diagnosis. Patients with advanced age, poor histologic differentiation, and American Joint Committee on Cancer T2 stage are at highest risk. Close clinical follow-up after the initial diagnosis is recommended.

Risk of Recurrence and 10-Year Outcomes in Surgically Treated Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Cardiac and Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES

To report long-term outcomes of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in immunosuppressed cardiac and liver transplant recipients (CLTR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed CLTR at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona from 1986 to 2013. Patient and tumor characteristics were recorded. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patient-specific and lesion-specific analyses were performed. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were performed for comparisons.

RESULTS

Seven-hundred and forty-seven patients underwent cardiac (138) or liver (609) transplantation and of these, 97 patients (13%) developed 382 invasive NMSC. The median follow-up was 11 (range, 3 to 27) years for surviving patients. Primary treatment was mainly surgery alone. At 10 years, the local recurrence (LR) rate was 20% (95% confidence interval, 15%-28%), and 14% of patients had multiple LRs. At 10 years, LR rates were higher for T3/T4 tumors when compared with T1/T2 tumors (32.5% vs. 20%, P=0.05). At 10 years, overall survival was 79% (95% confidence interval, 64%-88%). On multivariate analysis, age 61 years and more demonstrated inferior overall survival (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study describing the AJCC 8th edition stage-based patterns of recurrence and long-term outcomes of surgically managed NMSC in a large cohort of immunosuppressed CLTRs. T3 and T4 tumors recur more often than early stage tumors. Further study is required to identify factors related to recurrence and guide upfront treatment intensification in this high-risk population.

EGFR and αvβ6 as Promising Targets for Molecular Imaging of Cutaneous and Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Region

R0 resection is paramount in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, in the setting of recurrence, immunocompromised patients, or non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a spindle growth pattern, tumor borders are difficult, if not impossible, to determine. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) aids in this differentiation. Potential targets for FGS of CSCC and HNSCC were evaluated. Most sections stained intensely for αvβ6 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells. Normal epithelium stained less for αvβ6 than for EGFR. In addition, soft tissue and stroma stained negative for both, allowing for clear discrimination of the soft tissue margin. Tumor cells weakly expressed urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) while expression on stromal cells was moderate. Normal epithelium rarely expressed uPAR, resulting in clear discrimination of superficial margins. Tumors did not consistently express integrin β3, carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, or vascular endothelial growth factor A. In conclusion, αvβ6 and EGFR allowed for precise discrimination of SSC at the surgically problematic soft tissue margins. Superficial margins are ideally distinguished with uPAR. In the future, FGS in the surgically challenging setting of cutaneous and mucosal SCC could benefit from a tailor-made approach, with EGFR and αvβ6 as targets.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the organ transplant recipient

One in twenty solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) will develop a highly morbid or fatal cutaneous carcinoma after transplantation. The majority of these cases develop on the head and neck and may require intervention on the part of dermatology, dermatologic surgery, otolaryngology, transplant medicine, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. In this review, we discuss the problem of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in SOTRs as well as the prognostic factors and management strategies to care for this population.

Outcomes of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Head and Neck Region With Regional Lymph Node Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

There is a need to summarize the available evidence and provide quantitative data of the most important prognostic factors for patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region with regional lymph node metastasis (McSCCHN).

Objective

To undertake a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies on the risk factors for overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with McSCCHN.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched from 1946 to August 2018 for English-language articles.

Study Selection

Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials or observational studies reporting on at least 10 patients with McSCCHN; studies analyzing 1 defined risk factor; reporting OS, LRC, LRR, or DSS; and clinical follow-up of 1 year of more. For the final analysis we included risk factors that were analyzed for the same outcome in at least 3 studies. Of the 2923 articles screened, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting the data. Two reviewers independently abstracted the data. Risk of bias was estimated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. All analysis took place between January and October 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was OS. Secondary end points included LRC, LRR, and DSS.

Results

A total of 20 observational studies and 1 randomized clinical trial were identified, representing 3534 patients (some reviewed articles reported no demographic characteristics), and were included in the analysis. Significant risk factors associated with OS were immunosuppression (hazard ratio [HR] of death, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.26-3.13), extracapsular spread (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12-3.23), adjuvant radiotherapy (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.78), lymph node ratio (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.09-3.35), and advanced age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07). Immunosuppression (HR, 3.82; 95% CI, 2.47-5.92) and adjuvant radiotherapy (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.84) were also significant risk factors for DSS.

Conclusions and Relevance

Immunosuppressed patients and those with extracapsular extension have poor prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with an improvement in OS. These risk factors will assist with better risk stratification and may also help to inform future clinical trials.

Association of Disease Recurrence With Survival Outcomes in Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Treated With Multimodality Therapy

Importance

It has previously been demonstrated that immunosuppressed patients with cutaneous squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (cSCC-HN) treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy have significantly inferior disease-related outcomes compared with immunocompetent patients, but data on outcomes after disease recurrence are limited.

Objectives

To report survival outcomes in patients with cSCC-HN after disease recurrence after surgery and postoperative radiotherapy and to investigate the association of immune status with disease-related outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A multi-institutional study of 205 patients treated at the Cleveland Clinic, Washington University in St Louis, and the University of California, San Francisco, in which patients who underwent surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy for primary or recurrent stage I to IV (nonmetastatic) cSCC-HN between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014, were identified. Patients with any disease recurrence, defined as local, regional, and/or distant failure, were included. Patients were categorized as immunosuppressed if they received a diagnosis of chronic hematologic malignant neoplasm or HIV or AIDS, or were treated with immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation 6 months or more before diagnosis. Statistical analysis was conducted from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2015.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall survival calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

Results

Of the 205 patients in the original cohort, 72 patients (63 men and 9 women; median age, 71 years [range, 43-91 years]) developed disease recurrence after surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Forty patients (55.6%) were immunosuppressed, and 32 patients (44.4%) were immunocompetent. Locoregional recurrence was the most common first pattern of failure for both groups (31 immunosuppressed patients [77.5%]; 21 immunocompetent patients [65.6%]). After any recurrence, 1-year overall survival was 43.2% (95% CI, 30.9%-55.4%), and median survival was 8.4 months. For patients for whom information on salvage treatment was available (n = 45), those not amenable to surgical salvage had significantly poorer median cumulative incidence of survival compared with those who were amenable to surgical salvage (4.7 months; 95% CI, 3.7-7.0 months vs 26.1 months; 95% CI, 6.6 months to not reached; P = .01), regardless of their immune status.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study suggest that patients with cSCC-HN who experience disease recurrence after definitive treatment with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy have poor survival, irrespective of immune status. Survival rates are low for patients with recurrent disease that is not amenable to surgical salvage. The low rate of successful salvage underscores the importance of intensifying upfront treatment to prevent recurrence.

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Updates in Staging and Management

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Outcomes are generally favorable, but a subset of cSCC is biologically distinct and requires a different approach because of its higher risk of local recurrence, metastasis, and death. This article focuses on the recent literature regarding identification of this high-risk subset, efforts to validate and improve the prognostic ability of staging systems, and updates in management.

Two may be better than one: PD-1/PD-L1 blockade combination approaches in metastatic breast cancer

Antibodies blocking programmed death 1 (anti-PD-1) or its ligand (anti-PD-L1) are associated with modest response rates as monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, but are generally well tolerated and capable of generating dramatic and durable benefit in a minority of patients. Anti-PD-1/L1 antibodies are also safe when administered in combination with a variety of systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), as well as with radiotherapy. We summarize preclinical, translational, and preliminary clinical data in support of combination approaches with anti-PD-1/L1 in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on potential mechanisms of synergy, and considerations for clinical practice and future investigation.

Management of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Transplant Recipients

Transplant recipients have a significantly higher risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers compared with the general population and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are the most common post-transplant malignancies. Although in the general population BCC outnumbers SCC 4:1, in transplant patients this ratio is reversed and SCC is more common, with a 65- to 250-fold increased incidence. As patients in immunosuppressed states are living longer after transplants, the incidence of skin cancer in this population continues to increase. The skin cancers in transplant patients also tend to be more aggressive, with higher morbidity and mortality. Preventive strategies play an important role in transplant recipients given their increased frequency of developing both premalignant and malignant skin lesions. Sun protection and regular skin cancer screening are critical. In addition, chemoprophylaxis with systemic retinoids, nicotinamide and capecitabine can significantly reduce the development of new skin cancers. Topical 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and cyclooxygenase inhibitors have all been investigated in transplant patients for the treatment of field cancerisation. Adjusting the immunosuppressive regimen is also an important adjuvant therapeutic strategy for managing skin cancers in transplant recipients and requires integrated multidisciplinary care with the entire transplant team. This article reviews the epidemiology of non-melanoma skin cancer in transplant patients, discusses the prevention strategies and highlights the management and treatment strategies of both field cancerisation and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Case-Control Study of Tumor Stage-Dependent Outcomes for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunosuppressed and Immunocompetent Patients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressed patients have worse outcomes from cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs), although unclear whether it is due to the development of more high-stage tumors or worse outcomes for a given stage.

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the impact of immunosuppression on the development of cSCCs and tumor stage-dependent outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-institution 1:2 case-control study of primary invasive cSCCs from 2005 to 2015 in 106 mixed-cause immunosuppressed patients and 212 control subjects matched to age, gender, and race.

RESULTS

Four hundred twelve cSCCs from 106 immunosuppressed patients and 291 tumors from 212 matched immunocompetent patients were included. Both cohorts had similar T-stage distribution, with <5% high-stage tumors, that is, AJCC-7 T2, AJCC-8 T3, and BWH T2b/T3. Immunosuppression significantly increased the likelihood of poor outcomes (POs) (aggregate of local recurrence (LR), nodal and distant metastasis, and squamous cell carcinoma-related deaths) for low-stage tumors, that is, AJCC-7 T1 (odds ratio [OR], 4.29), AJCC-8 T1 (OR, 3.45), AJCC-8 T2 (OR, 3.75), BWH T1 (OR, 3.53), and BWH T2a (OR, 3.41) tumors. There was no significant difference in the treatment: most tumors were treated with Mohs (71% vs 75%) or excision (21% vs 20%) in both cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Immunosuppressed patients have an increased risk of POs, specifically LRs, from low-stage cSCCs. Definitive treatment of cSCCs is recommended.

Combination Immunotherapy Development in Melanoma

Melanoma has been the most important cancer to drive immunotherapy development of solid tumors. Since 2010, immunotherapy has been revolutionized by the concept of breaking tolerance. It represents a major paradigm shift and marks the beginning of a new era. The impact of the first immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1, is unprecedented. In 7 years, it transformed advanced-stage melanoma into a curable disease in over 50% of patients. Another major step has been the development of the combination of BRAF inhibitors plus MEK inhibitors in the treatment of BRAF-mutant melanomas. For the treatment of advanced disease, approvals were obtained for the immune checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab (2011), nivolumab (2014), pembrolizumab (2014), the combination ipilimumab plus nivolumab (2015), and the oncolytic virus vaccine laherparepvec (2015). The combination dabrafenib plus trametinib for BRAF-mutant melanoma was approved in 2014, with similar success for other BRAF plus MEK inhibitor combinations. Because of its unique therapeutic index (high efficacy and low toxicity) anti-PD-1 agents (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) have now been placed at the center of practically all combination therapy development strategies in melanoma. Anti-PD-1 agents are the central molecule for combinations with a great variety of other immunotherapeutics such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, agonists, IDO inhibitors, macrophage polarizing agents, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, targeted agents, chemotherapeutics, radiation therapy, and even microbiome modulators.

Immunosuppression Impact on Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Objective

The primary objective was to define and quantify the relationship between immunosuppression and prognosis in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Data Sources

Ovid/Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception through June 5, 2017, with cross-referenced subject headings of squamous cell carcinoma, skin neoplasms, head and neck neoplasms, and prognosis. Additional gray literature was queried.

Review Methods

All prospective, retrospective, and cohort studies in the English literature investigating prognosis in patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis data were pooled using the fixed-effects model. The main outcome measures were hazard ratios detailing subgroup analysis between immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients.

Results

Seventeen studies were eligible for inclusion; 317 of the 2886 patients were immunosuppressed. Meta-analysis with pooled hazard ratios was performed for all outcome variables with at least 3 reported hazard ratios. Immunosuppression portended a worse prognosis across all outcome variables of interest: locoregional recurrence (2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-3.36), disease-free survival (2.69; 95% CI, 1.60-4.51), disease-specific survival (3.61; 95% CI, 2.63-4.95), and overall survival (2.09; 95% CI, 1.64-2.67).

Conclusion

This is the largest investigation into the impact of immunosuppression on head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Immunosuppressed patients experience worse recurrence and survival outcomes compared to immunocompetent counterparts. The data support formal inclusion of immunosuppression in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma staging systems.

Laser immunotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with optimal thermal effects to enhance tumour immunogenicity

BACKGROUND

Laser immunotherapy is a new anti-cancer therapy combining photothermal therapy and immunostimulation. It can eliminate the tumours by damaging tumour cells directly and promoting the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to enhance tumour immunogenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal effects of laser immunotherapy and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laser immunotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

METHODS

The cell viability and the DAMPs productions of heat-treated cSCC A431 cells in different temperatures were investigated. Laser immunotherapy with the optimal thermal effect for DAMPs production was performed on SKH-1 mice bearing ultraviolet-induced cSCC and a patient suffering from a large refractory cSCC.

RESULTS

The temperature in the range of 45-50 °C killing half of A431 cells had an optimal thermal effect for the productions of DAMPs. The thermal effect could be further enhanced by local application of imiquimod, an immunoadjuvant. Laser immunotherapy eliminated most tumours and improved the survival rate of the ultraviolet-induced cSCC-bearing SKH-1 mice (p < 0.05). The patient with cSCC treated by laser immunotherapy experienced a significant tumour reduction after laser immunotherapy increased the amounts of infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumour. No obviously adverse effect was observed in the mice experiment or in the clinical application.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results strongly indicate that laser immunotherapy with optimal thermal effects is an effective and safe treatment modality for cSCC.