The prognostic roles of cyclooxygenase-2 for patients with basal cell carcinoma

NF-κB: a mediator that promotes or inhibits angiogenesis in human diseases?

The nuclear factor of κ-light chain of enhancer-activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which is conserved in invertebrates, plays a significant role in human diseases such as inflammation-related diseases and carcinogenesis. Angiogenesis refers to the growth of new capillary vessels derived from already existing capillaries and postcapillary venules. Maintaining normal angiogenesis and effective vascular function is a prerequisite for the stability of organ tissue function, and abnormal angiogenesis often leads to a variety of diseases. It has been suggested that NK-κB signalling molecules under pathological conditions play an important role in vascular differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and tumourigenesis by regulating the transcription of multiple target genes. Many NF-κB inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials for cancer treatment and their effect on angiogenesis is summarised. In this review, we will summarise the role of NF-κB signalling in various neovascular diseases, especially in tumours, and explore whether NF-κB can be used as an attack target or activation medium to inhibit tumour angiogenesis.

Molecular markers of recurrence of basal cell skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer worldwide, with rates increasing by almost 10% annually. It representing a growing public health problem with negative psychosocial and economic consequences. Analysis of gene expression and proteomic profiling of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment strongly suggests that certain molecules involved in the pathogenetic pathways of skin cancer may represent novel prognostic biomarkers in basal cell skin cancer. The PubMed, MedLine, Web of Science and RSCI databases were used to search for the necessary literature.

Advances in Management and Therapeutics of Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in humans with a range of treatment options available. Tumor and patient characteristics aid in risk-stratification, which influences treatment considerations. Here, we review the advancements in surgical, topical, field, immunotherapeutic, molecular-targeted, and experimental treatment modalities that can be employed in the correct clinical setting for the treatment of BCC.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer in humans, is a malignant neoplasm of cells derived from the basal layer of the epidermis. Tumor characteristics such as histologic subtype, primary versus recurrent tumor, anatomic location, size, and patient attributes determine the risk level and acceptable treatment options. Surgical options offer histologic confirmation of tumor clearance. Standard excision provides post-treatment histologic assessment, while Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides complete margin assessment intraoperatively. Additional treatment options may be employed in the correct clinical context. Small and low-risk BCCs, broad field cancerization, locally-advanced disease, metastatic disease, cosmetic concerns, or morbidity with surgical approaches raise consideration of other treatment modalities. We review herein a range of treatment approaches and advances in treatments for BCC, including standard excision, MMS, electrodesiccation and curettage, ablative laser treatment, radiation therapy, targeted molecular therapies, topical therapies, field therapies, immunotherapy, and experimental therapies.

Advances in the drug management of basal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. Recently, BCCs were suggested to be classified into 'easy to treat' and 'difficult to treat,' and different therapeutic options are suggested for their management.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors discuss treatment options that are approved, recommended for, or are still in development for treatment of BCC. The review covers approved local therapies, such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, and systemic therapies, such as hedgehog inhibitors. New medical agents, investigated in clinical trials, are reviewed. These include: targeted therapies, such as GLI antagonists or anti-VEGFR agents, immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, recombinant cytokines or silencing RNA, as well as intralesional virotherapies with modified adeno- or herpes viruses.

EXPERT OPINION

The progress made in recent years has improved the management of patients with advanced BCC; however, neither tumor targeting nor immune system engaging agents provide a cure. New treatment approaches directed not only to known targets but also the tumor microenvironment are in development and are anticipated to improve the management of difficult to treat BCC.

Identification of Potential Biomarkers Associated with Basal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

This work is aimed at identifying several molecular markers correlated with the diagnosis and development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Methods

The available microarray datasets for BCC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between BCC and healthy controls. Afterward, the functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of these screened DEGs were performed. An external validation for the DEG expression level was also carried out, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic values of DEGs.

Result

In total, five microarray datasets for BCC were downloaded and 804 DEGs (414 upregulated and 390 downregulated genes) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes including CYFIP2, HOXB5, EGFR, FOXN3, PTPN3, CDC20, MARCKSL1, FAS, and PTCH1 were closely correlated with the cell process and PTCH1 played central roles in the BCC signaling pathway. Moreover, EGFR was a hub gene in the PPI network. The expression changes of six genes (CYFIP2, HOXB5, FOXN3, PTPN3, MARCKSL1, and FAS) were validated by an external GSE74858 dataset analysis. Finally, ROC analysis revealed that CYFIP2, HOXB5, PTPN3, MARCKSL1, PTCH1, and CDC20 could distinguish BCC and healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Nine gene signatures (CYFIP2, HOXB5, EGFR, FOXN3, PTPN3, CDC20, MARCKSL1, FAS, and PTCH1) may serve as promising targets for BCC detection and development.