Consensus for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment: basal cell carcinoma, including a cost analysis of treatment methods

Therapeutic Approaches for Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 80% of skin cancer cases. Although mostly curable by simple excision, the treatment of advanced disease can be challenging, as curative surgery or radiotherapy may not always be feasible. The scope of this review is to summarize current knowledge on molecular mechanisms in BCC pathogenesis, to elaborate on the definition of advanced/difficult-to-treat BCC, and to outline systemic treatment options. Particularly, pivotal trial data of the approved hedgehog inhibitors (HHI) sonidegib and vismodegib are compared. Concluding, we provide an overview of novel, particularly neoadjuvant and combined treatment approaches, both with hedgehog and immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

S2k guideline basal cell carcinoma of the skin (update 2023)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in the fair-skinned population and its incidence continues to rise. An update of the S2k guideline with the participation of all specialist societies familiar with the clinical picture and previous literature research is of great importance for the quality of care for affected patients. In addition to epidemiology, diagnostics and histology are discussed. After risk stratification, therapy is divided into topical, systemic and radiation therapy. Surgical removal remains the treatment of first choice in most cases. The approval of anti-PD1 inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic tumors has opened up a new option in second-line therapy (after hedgehog inhibitors).

Hybrid Deep Learning Framework for Melanoma Diagnosis Using Dermoscopic Medical Images

Background: Melanoma, or skin cancer, is a dangerous form of cancer that is the major cause of the demise of thousands of people around the world. Methods: In recent years, deep learning has become more popular for analyzing and detecting these medical issues. In this paper, a hybrid deep learning approach has been proposed based on U-Net for image segmentation, Inception-ResNet-v2 for feature extraction, and the Vision Transformer model with a self-attention mechanism for refining the features for early and accurate diagnosis and classification of skin cancer. Furthermore, in the proposed approach, hyperparameter tuning helps to obtain more accurate and optimized results for image classification. Results: Dermoscopic shots gathered by the worldwide skin imaging collaboration (ISIC2020) challenge dataset are used in the proposed research work and achieved 98.65% accuracy, 99.20% sensitivity, and 98.03% specificity, which outperforms the other existing approaches for skin cancer classification. Furthermore, the HAM10000 dataset is used for ablation studies to compare and validate the performance of the proposed approach. Conclusions: The achieved outcome suggests that the proposed approach would be able to serve as a valuable tool for assisting dermatologists in the early detection of melanoma.

Updates in the Management of Advanced Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) comprise the majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Advances have been made in treatment. Sentinel node biopsy should be considered for locally advanced, clinically node-negative cSCCs and MCCs. BCC patients failing traditional surgery and/or radiation are candidates for systemic hedgehog inhibitor therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment is available for patients who failed traditional treatment with surgery and/or radiation or who are not candidates for these modalities. Specifically, cemiplimab is approved for advanced BCC; cemiplimab and pembrolizumab for advanced cSCC; and avelumab, pembrolizumab, and retifanlimab-dlwr for recurrent/metastatic MCC.

Interdisciplinary management of skin cancer

The interdisciplinary treatment of skin cancer in the head and neck area requires close collaboration between different specialist disciplines. The most common non-melanoma skin cancer tumor entities are cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma as well as their precursor lesions. One of the less common tumors is Merkel cell carcinoma, which also occurs primarily in light-exposed areas and, in contrast to squamous and basal cell carcinoma, is more likely to metastasize. Due to the low tendency of basal cell carcinoma as well as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to metastasize, a cure can often be achieved by surgery. If the tumor growth exceeds certain levels it may require collaboration between dermatology and otorhinolaryngology. The primary goal of this interdisciplinary collaboration is to achieve a functional, cosmetically and aesthetically acceptable result in addition to adequate tumor treatment. Depending on the stage of the tumor and the clinical course, a case may be discussed in an interdisciplinary tumor board in order to determine a personalised, appropriate and adequate treatment concept for each patient, including prevention, therapy and follow-up.

Fragile hands: targeting nonmelanoma skin cancer on older hands using 595 nm pulsed dye laser

PURPOSE

The mainstay of treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) on thin skin remains surgical, but procedures on older hands may be complicated by skin fragility and dermal atrophy. Used without cooling, 595 nm (nm) pulsed dye laser (PDL) has the capability of destroying NMSC through nonspecific thermal necrosis. The purpose of this study was to understand recurrence of NMSC on dorsal hands of older patients after one or two treatments using 595 nm PDL.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 147 cases of NMSC located on the dorsal hands treated with 595 nm PDL. Cases of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were included. All patients received one to two treatments with PDL. The primary outcome was the recurrence of carcinoma.

RESULTS

Among NMSC cases treated with PDL, recurrence occurred in 12 patients (8.2%). No cases of BCC recurred during the study period. Recurrence of SCC was 4.7% for SCC in situ and 10.4% recurrence for invasive SCC (p = 0.34). Among 71 patients treated once, recurrence occurred in 10 patients (14.1%), and among 76 cases treated twice, recurrence occurred in 2 patients (2.6%, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Two treatments of PDL for NMSC on the dorsal hands of older patients was well tolerated, had low recurrence, and seemed more effective than one treatment.

Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide and has been reported to have a rising incidence in the last years. Multiple therapeutic modalities are approved for the treatment of BCC, making it difficult for physicians to choose the most suitable option for every patient. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using either 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) as photosensitizing agents is an established treatment option for low-risk BCC.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to summarize the available evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that utilize either ALA or MAL PDT and compare it with other treatment modalities. The main outcomes related to the effectiveness, adverse events, cosmetic outcomes and pain sensation, along with data from long-term follow-ups will be presented and discussed.

METHODS

Thorough literature searches were conducted through the electronic databases ClinicalTrials. gov and Pubmed/MEDLINE from inception up to 28 March 2023. Only studies in English were included. All relevant data were extracted accordingly from the eligible studies.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs included superficial BCC (sBCC) alone, 7 included nodular BCC (nBCC), 2 included both sBCC and nBCC and 1 included BCC of unspecified subtype. Follow-up duration ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Both ALA-PDT and MAL-PDT demonstrated acceptable efficacy, adverse events, cosmetic outcomes and pain sensation while no major differences were observed between them. PDT was less effective than surgery but with better reported cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT is a safe and efficacious treatment option for sBCC and to a lesser extent nBCC.

Combined Carbon Dioxide Laser with Photodynamic Therapy for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma Monitored by Reflectance Confocal Microscopy

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents around 80% of all malignant skin cancers worldwide, constituting a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Due to excellent clearance rates (around 95%), surgery is the current gold-standard treatment. However, surgery is not always possible or preferred by patients. Numerous non-surgical therapies, sometimes combined, have been associated with promising tumor free survival rates (80-90%) in non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Most research has enrolled superficial basal cell carcinomas (sBCCs), with limited recent studies also involving low-risk nodular BCCs (nBCCs). Given lower efficacy rates compared to surgery, close monitoring during the follow-up period is essential for patients treated with non-surgical therapies. Monitoring with dermoscopy is constrained by low sensitivity rates. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is more sensitive in monitoring non-surgically treated NMSCs. Case presentation: A 41-year-old woman with a single nBCC relapse following photodynamic therapy (PDT) located on the dorsum of the nose presented to our center. Given the aesthetically sensitive location of the lesion and the patient's preference for a non-surgical approach, a combined treatment of CO2 laser and PDT was prescribed. A superpulsed CO2 laser (power: 0.5-3 W, frequency: 10 Hz, spot size 2 mm) with two PDT sessions (2 weeks apart) were conducted. At 6 weeks follow-up, monitoring performed with RCM revealed a reduction but not eradication of basaloid tumor islands. Another 2 sessions of PDT were recommended. At 3, 12 and 30 months of follow-up, the nasal dorsum area of the previous nBBC lesion was noted to be slightly hypopigmented (observed clinically), with a mild erythematous background (observed by dermoscopy). RCM evaluation confirmed the absence of RCM BCC criteria. The cosmetic outcome was very much improved. Conclusions: Combined CO2 laser and PDT for the treatment of a localized nBCC on the dorsum of the nose of a 41-year-old proved to offer tumor free survival at 30-month follow-up, as monitored with RCM. RCM is useful for the evaluation of non-surgical therapies as it has comparably higher sensitivity than dermoscopy and is especially useful in cases of suspected late recurrence. Further studies are needed to validate ongoing tumor free survival following this combined nonsurgical approach in the treatment of nBCC.

Uncovering associations between pre-existing conditions and COVID-19 Severity: A polygenic risk score approach across three large biobanks

OBJECTIVE

To overcome the limitations associated with the collection and curation of COVID-19 outcome data in biobanks, this study proposes the use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) as reliable proxies of COVID-19 severity across three large biobanks: the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI), UK Biobank (UKB), and NIH All of Us. The goal is to identify associations between pre-existing conditions and COVID-19 severity.

METHODS

Drawing on a sample of more than 500,000 individuals from the three biobanks, we conducted a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to identify associations between a PRS for COVID-19 severity, derived from a genome-wide association study on COVID-19 hospitalization, and clinical pre-existing, pre-pandemic phenotypes. We performed cohort-specific PRS PheWAS and a subsequent fixed-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The current study uncovered 23 pre-existing conditions significantly associated with the COVID-19 severity PRS in cohort-specific analyses, of which 21 were observed in the UKB cohort and two in the MGI cohort. The meta-analysis yielded 27 significant phenotypes predominantly related to obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. After adjusting for body mass index, several clinical phenotypes, such as hypercholesterolemia and gastrointestinal disorders, remained associated with an increased risk of hospitalization following COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION

By employing PRS as a proxy for COVID-19 severity, we corroborated known risk factors and identified novel associations between pre-existing clinical phenotypes and COVID-19 severity. Our study highlights the potential value of using PRS when actual outcome data may be limited or inadequate for robust analyses.

European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma-update 2023

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumour in white populations. Multidisciplinary experts from European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), European Dermatology Forum, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology developed updated recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of BCC. BCCs were categorised into 'easy-to-treat' (common) and 'difficult-to-treat' according to the new EADO clinical classification. Diagnosis is based on clinico-dermatoscopic features, although histopathological confirmation is mandatory in equivocal lesions. The first-line treatment of BCC is complete surgery. Micrographically controlled surgery shall be offered in high-risk and recurrent BCC, and BCC located on critical anatomical sites. Topical therapies and destructive approaches can be considered in patients with low-risk superficial BCC. Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for superficial and low-risk nodular BCCs. Management of 'difficult-to-treat' BCCs should be discussed by a multidisciplinary tumour board. Hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs), vismodegib or sonidegib, should be offered to patients with locally advanced and metastatic BCC. Immunotherapy with anti-PD1 antibodies (cemiplimab) is a second-line treatment in patients with a progression of disease, contraindication, or intolerance to HHI therapy. Radiotherapy represents a valid alternative in patients who are not candidates for or decline surgery, especially elderly patients. Electrochemotherapy may be offered when surgery or radiotherapy is contraindicated. In Gorlin patients, regular skin examinations are required to diagnose and treat BCCs at an early stage. Long-term follow-up is recommended in patients with high-risk BCC, multiple BCCs, and Gorlin syndrome.

Years of dermatology experience and geographic region are associated with outlier performance of excision or destruction for nonmelanoma skin cancer

INTRODUCTION

Treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) include excision (surgical removal) and destruction (cryotherapy or curettage with or without electrodesiccation) in addition to other methods. Although cure rates are similar between excision and destruction for low-risk NMSCs, excision is substantially more expensive. Performing destruction when appropriate can reduce costs while providing comparable cure rate and cosmesis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics associated with exclusive (outlier) performance of excision or destruction for NMSC.

METHODS

The study consisted of malignant excision and destruction procedures submitted by dermatologists to Medicare in 2019. Proportions of services for each method were analyzed with respect to geographic region, years of dermatology experience, median income of the practice zip code, and rural-urban commuting area code.

RESULTS

Fewer years of experience predicted a higher proportion of excisions (R²=.7, p<.001) and higher odds of outlier excision performance. Outlier performance of excision was associated with practicing in the South, Midwest, and West, whereas outlier performance of destruction was associated with practicing in the Northeast and Midwest.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermatologists with less experience or in certain geographic regions performed more malignant excision relative to destruction. As the older population of dermatologists retires, the cost of care for NMSC may increase.

A Cost Comparison Between Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Conventional Excision for the Treatment of Head and Neck Melanomas In Situ and Thin Melanomas

BACKGROUND

Variation in operative setting and surgical technique exists when treating specialty site melanomas. There are limited data comparing costs among surgical modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the costs of head and neck melanoma surgery performed with Mohs micrographic surgery or conventional excision in the operating room or office-based settings.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients aged 18 years and older with surgically treated head and neck melanoma in 2 cohorts, an institutional cohort and an insurance claims cohort, for the years 2008-2019. The primary outcome was total cost of care for a surgical encounter, provided in the form of insurance reimbursement data. A generalized linear model was used to adjust for covariates affecting differences between treatment groups.

RESULTS

In the institutional and insurance claims cohorts, average adjusted treatment cost was highest in the conventional excision-operating room treatment group, followed by the Mohs surgery and conventional excision-office setting (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate the important economic role the office-based setting has for head and neck melanoma surgery. This study allows cutaneous oncologic surgeons to better understand the costs of care involved in head and neck melanoma treatment. Cost awareness is important for shared decision-making discussions with patients.

Persisting Cancer in Black Salve Treated Skin Lesions: Results of a Large 5 Year Retrospective Analysis of Australian Histopathology Specimens

BACKGROUND

To date there has been minimal research on the use of black salve escharotics. Whether cancer persistence is a frequent finding in treatment areas, the types of lesion being treated by patients, whether rural patients are more likely to use black salve and whether current government prevention initiatives are succeeding are all issues needing investigation.

METHODS

This study was a large national retrospective black salve pathology case series from 2015 to 2019. Five private pathology companies with 1471 collection centers located in 5 of the 8 Australian states and Territories provided de-identified skin pathology report information where black salve treatment had been documented in the pathology request.

RESULTS

Over the 5-year period 409 patients had treated 475 lesions with black salve. Benign lesions were present at the treatment site in 18% of cases; persisting cancer was found in 34.2% of the remaining black salve treated areas. The majority of treatment areas were located on the head and neck. Black salve caused necrosis of normal tissue when treating benign lesions, refuting claims of cancer specificity. Likelihood of black salve use increased with rurality based on Modified Monash (MM) scores. Black salve use, despite regulatory efforts, appears to be increasing with specimen numbers more than doubling from 2015 to 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing histopathological assessment of black salve treatment areas have high rates of cancer persistence. Patients are applying black salve to benign lesions and lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas. Rural patients have higher proportional rates of black salve use. The increasing incidence of black salve pathology specimens suggests current Australian black salve public health initiatives are failing.

The Quality of Life in Surgically Treated Head and Neck Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Comprehensive Review

In this review, we examine current literature analyzing the impact of surgical treatment on the QoL in patients with head and neck BCC. A comprehensive literature review was performed using the main databases. As many as six out of 322 articles were selected for the final analysis. The selected articles were published in the period between 2004 and 2021, most published within the last two years. All analyzed studies were prospective. Five out of six studies evaluated NMSC consisting of both BCC and SCC, and only one study selectively evaluated the impact of surgical treatment on QoL in patients with craniofacial BCC. Authors of the selected studies reported that QoL improves following the surgery; however, the effect on QoL varies. Patients' age, gender, marital status, education level, and employment status had a stronger correlation with QoL postoperatively, especially during the late follow-up period. Younger patients were more bothered by appearance-related issues. One study concluded that elderly patients did not experience a statistically significant improvement in QoL. This literature review demonstrated that there is no clear consensus on the use of a single disease-specific QoL measurement tool. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies assessing the impact of surgical treatment on QoL exclusively in patients with head and neck BCC and studies analyzing the multivariate correlation between QoL and tumor type, size, anatomic site, and treatment outcomes.

The current clinical approach to difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinomas

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor in adult white populations. If BCCs are not treated for years, if they cause massive destruction of the surrounding tissues, if they are considered unresectable or not eligible for radiotherapy they become progressively 'locally advanced' (laBCC) or metastatic (mBCC). These tumors are defined as 'difficult-to-treat BCC.'

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive search on PubMed was conducted to identify relevant literature about the several approved and recommended treatment options for the management of difficult-to-treat BCC published from January 2012 to July 2022. Surgical options, radiotherapy, hedgehog inhibitors, immunotherapy, and combined treatments are discussed. The keywords used were basal cell carcinoma; difficult-to-treat BCC; management of difficult-to-treat BCC; surgical therapy; radiotherapy; hedgehog inhibitors; immunotherapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Identifying the best approach to DTT BCCs is one of the main challenges for the dermato-oncologist. The introduction of HHI for the treatment of advanced BCCs has revolutionized the clinical management of DTT BCCs. The immune checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab has been approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic BCC refractory to HHI therapy or in patients intolerant to HHI therapy. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) play a key role in managing these complex patients.

[Current Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma]

AIM OF STUDY

We present the current standard in diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Useful procedures for clinical management should be derived from this.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out in the PubMed online database. The collected information was analyzed and evaluated. An overall concept was created from the gained knowledge.

RESULTS

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor in humans and its incidence is expected to increase in the future. When managing the disease, a one-dimensional orientation towards the clinical or histological subtype is not sufficient because of the heterogeneity of the tumor. The primary implementation of risk stratification, which is decisive for the further diagnostic and therapeutic steps, is becoming increasingly important. The gold standard in treatment continues to be the surgical procedure, which should be carried out using micrographically controlled surgery if possible. In addition, there are other therapeutic methods such as radiotherapy or a number of topical therapy options (photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, application of 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod), which can be used in certain cases. Hedgehog inhibitors are also effective drugs for advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma. Practitioners have gained several years of experience with regard to effectiveness and handling of adverse events. With the PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab, another therapeutic option for inoperable or metastatic tumors has been available since June 2021.

CONCLUSION

Basal cell carcinoma will continue to gain in relevance in daily dermatological practice in the coming years. A structured approach to the assessment of the existing risk category of the tumor and the subsequent determination of the optimal therapy regimen are of central importance. Advanced or metastatic tumors no longer represent a hopeless situation for the patient. With long-termhedgehog therapy, an adapted dosage scheme can avoid discontinuation of therapy due to side effects. The therapeutic potential of the PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab can also be used with the side effect profile known from other types of skin cancer.

Testing some psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Skin Cancer Index: A questionnaire for measuring quality of life in patients with non-melanoma skin cancer

OBJECTIVES

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) include two main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Generic Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instruments revealed little to no HRQoL impairment in NMSC patients. Instead, the use of specific skin disease HRQoL tools contradicted those observations. For example, the Skin Cancer Index (SCI) was suggested as a validated instrument for the evaluation of the impact of skin cancers on HRQoL, and has already been validated in several languages, but not in Italian. The aim of this study is to testing some psychometric properties of the Italian version of the SCI questionnaire in a large sample of NMSC patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, single-center, observational study. Firstly, different factor models proposed in the literature were compared and the model with the best fit was identified. Secondly, the psychometric properties of the SCI, convergent validity and reliability, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 371 NMSC patients. The factor analysis revealed that a revised version of the original model had the best fit [χ2(df = 85) = 354.53, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.09, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.03]. The SCI had satisfactory internal consistency for all subscales (Emotional subscale: ordinal alpha = 0.95; Social subscale: ordinal alpha = 0.94; Appearance subscale: ordinal alpha = 0.94). The convergent validity with Skindex-17 psychosocial subscale was adequate for all the SCI subscales (Emotional Subscale: rho = -0.50; Social Subscale: rho = -0.54; Appearance subscale: rho = -0.44; Total Skin Cancer Index: rho = -0.56; and p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The tested psychometric properties of the Italian version of the SCI may suggest that it is an appropriate tool to measure the HRQoL in NMSC patients, however, further studies are needed in order to confirm and tested other psychometric features of this tool.

Tertiary lymphoid structures accompanied by fibrillary matrix morphology impact anti-tumor immunity in basal cell carcinomas

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are specialized lymphoid formations that serve as local repertoire of T- and B-cells at sites of chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. While presence of TLS has been associated with improved response to immune checkpoint blockade therapies and overall outcomes in several cancers, its prognostic value in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been investigated. Herein, we determined the prognostic impact of TLS by relating its prevalence and maturation with outcome measures of anti-tumor immunity, namely tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor killing. In 30 distinct BCCs, we show the presence of TLS was significantly enriched in tumors harboring a nodular component and more mature primary TLS was associated with TIL counts. Moreover, assessment of the fibrillary matrix surrounding tumors showed discrete morphologies significantly associated with higher TIL counts, critically accounting for heterogeneity in TIL count distribution within TLS maturation stages. Specifically, increased length of fibers and lacunarity of the matrix with concomitant reduction in density and alignment of fibers were present surrounding tumors displaying high TIL counts. Given the interest in inducing TLS formation as a therapeutic intervention as well as its documented prognostic value, elucidating potential impediments to the ability of TLS in driving anti-tumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment warrants further investigation. These results begin to address and highlight the need to integrate stromal features which may present a hindrance to TLS formation and/or effective function as a mediator of immunotherapy response.

Cryotherapy as an Effective therapeutic Option in Patients with Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma - Case Report

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant tumor originating from epidermal cells. A case of BCC was reported in a 67-year-old female, with the initial complaint of skin-colored papules, which later turned into a nodule with erosion and crusts on the right shoulder. The diagnosis is established from findings consistent with nodular BCC on physical examination, and from dermoscopic appearance revealing ulceration, blue-gray ovoid nests, deeply pigmented border, and arborizing vessels. Histopathological examination showed tumor cells forming palisading structures with myxoid stroma, polymorphic, hyperchromatic and mitotic nuclei, as well as fibrocollagen connective tissue cells with lymphocyte infiltrates. Cryotherapy is a therapeutic option for BCC in old patients and has a cure rate of around 95%. Observation on the 25th day revealed clinical improvement with reduced nodular lesion size; thus, further cryotherapy was needed to enhance the therapeutic outcomes.

Integrated multi-omics reveals cellular and molecular interactions governing the invasive niche of basal cell carcinoma

Tumors invade the surrounding tissues to progress, but the heterogeneity of cell types at the tumor-stroma interface and the complexity of their potential interactions hampered mechanistic insight required for efficient therapeutic targeting. Here, combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics on human basal cell carcinomas, we define the cellular contributors of tumor progression. In the invasive niche, tumor cells exhibit a collective migration phenotype, characterized by the expression of cell-cell junction complexes. In physical proximity, we identify cancer-associated fibroblasts with extracellular matrix-remodeling features. Tumor cells strongly express the cytokine Activin A, and increased Activin A-induced gene signature is found in adjacent cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Altogether, our data identify the cell populations and their transcriptional reprogramming contributing to the spatial organization of the basal cell carcinoma invasive niche. They also demonstrate the power of integrated spatial and single-cell multi-omics to decipher cancer-specific invasive properties and develop targeted therapies.

The role of reciprocal tumour-stroma interactions in tumour invasion remains poorly characterised. Here, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identifies the cell populations and their transcriptional reprogramming contributing to the spatial organization of the basal cell carcinoma invasive niche.

Recent advances in nanotechnology based combination drug therapy for skin cancer

Skin-cancer (SC) is more common than all other cancers affecting large percentage of the population in the world and is increasing in terms of morbidity and mortality. In the United States, 3million people are affected by SC annually whereas millions of people are affected globally. Melanoma is fifth most common cancer in the United States. SC is commonly occurred in white people as per WHO. SC is divided into two groups, i.e. melanoma and non-melanoma. In the previous two decades, management of cancer remains to be a tough and a challenging task for many scholars. Presently, the treatment protocols are mostly based on surgery and chemo-radiation therapy, which sooner or later harm the unaffected cells too. To reduce these limitations, nano scaled materials and its extensive range may be recognized as the probable carriers for the selective drug delivery in response to cancerous cells. Recently, the nanocarriers based drugs and their combinations were found to be a new and interesting approach of study for the management of skin carcinoma to enhance the effectiveness, to lessen the dose-dependent side effects and to avoid the drug resistance. This review may emphasize on the wide-range of information on nanotechnology-based drugs and their combination with physical techniques.

Hydrochlorothiazide use, sun exposure, and risk of keratinocyte cancer

Background

Keratinocyte cancer (KC) rates are increasing in the U.S., particularly in older age groups. Use of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), due to its photosensitizing properties, and high sun exposure are two known NMSC risk factors, but their synergistic effects are undetermined. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of NMSC between adults who did and did not use HCTZ, as well as those with high and low sun exposure.

Methods

A retrospective case–control sample was assembled from adult patients in north-central Wisconsin (USA). Duration of HCTZ use and occupational sun exposure were extracted from electronic health records, along with a linked survey of lifetime sun exposure.

Results

There were 333 cases and 666 controls in the analytical sample. A significant main effect was observed for HCTZ duration in the full sample. Under low sun exposure, the odds of NMSC was 14% greater for each additional year of HCTZ use (aOR = 1.14 [1.11, 1.18], p < 0.001). In a sensitivity analysis of participants age 70 years and over, there was a borderline significant (p = 0.086) HCTZ use by high sun exposure interaction, suggesting modestly increased HCTZ risk in older, high sun exposure adults.

Conclusions

Consistent with prior studies, longer duration of HCTZ use was a predictor of NMSC in north-central Wisconsin adults. NMSC may be accelerated in HCTZ users with outdoor lifestyles, but future studies should attempt to further disaggregate specific effects of sun exposure time, HCTZ duration, and age on NMSC development.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Clearance after Medical Treatment Detected with Noninvasive Skin Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) represent about one-third of all malignancies. While surgery is the current gold standard treatment, many nonsurgical approaches are available for selected cases. Currently, there are no studies concerning the overall impact of dermoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for NMSC treatment monitoring. Therefore, we aim to review the current literature and provide an updated summary of noninvasive skin imaging in NMSC medical treatment management and the diagnostic accuracy of the most advanced technologies.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) treated with nonsurgical therapies can be monitored with noninvasive skin imaging. The precision of dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting clearance is unclear. We aim to report the proportion of persisting tumors identified with noninvasive technologies available in the literature. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed and Cochrane Public Library Databases for articles published prior to November 2021. Statistical analyses were conducted with MedCalc 14.8.1 software. Results: A total of eight studies (352 lesions) reporting noninvasive imaging for NMSC clearance following nonsurgical treatment were included. Most (n = 7) reported basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and one study reported squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) clearance. A meta-analysis of the BCC clearance revealed that the summary effect for RCM was higher, as compared to the other techniques. Interestingly, the sensitivity and specificity for OCT were 86.4% (95% CI: 65.1–97.1) and 100% (95% CI: 94.8–100.0), respectively, whilst, for RCM, they reached 100% (95%CI: 86.8–100) and 72.5% (95% CI: 64.4–79.7), respectively. Conclusions: Routine clinical examination and dermoscopy underperform when employed for NMSC clearance monitoring, although they represent the first approach to the patient. OCT and RCM seem to improve the detection of persistent BCC after medical treatment.

Prevalence of wound complications following Mohs micrographic surgery: a cross-sectional study of 1000 patients undergoing Mohs surgery and wound repair in a UK teaching hospital

Background

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for nonmelanoma skin cancer is often quoted as having an excellent safety profile.

Aim

To determine the complication rate of patients undergoing MMS in a large UK Mohs unit and subdivide complication rates into mild/intermediate and major, and to identify potential risk factors necessitating a clinical intervention.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study of 1000 consecutive cases of MMS performed with in‐house repair. Notes from the postsurgical dressing clinics were reviewed at Visit 1 (Days 7–14) and Visit 2 (approximately Week 6). Based upon the intervention required and effect on cosmetic/functional outcome, complications were classified as minor, intermediate or major. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify risk factors associated with a complication that needed a clinical intervention (i.e. intermediate or major).

Results

In total, 1000 Mohs surgeries were performed on 803 patients, resulting in 1067 excisions. Complication rates in our cohort were low (minor 3.6%, intermediate 3.1% and major 0.8%) Potential risk factors for developing a complication included skin graft (unadjusted OR = 4.89, 95% CI 1.93–12.39; fully adjusted OR = 7.13, 95% CI 2.26–22.45) and patients undergoing surgery on the forehead (unadjusted OR = 3.32, 95% CI 0.95–11.58; fully adjusted OR = 5.34, 95% CI 1.40–20.42). Patients whose wounds were allowed to heal by secondary intention healing (6.8%) exhibited no complications.

Conclusion

We advocate that patients should be informed during the consent procedure that less than 1 in every 100 patients (0.75%) undergoing MMS will have a serious adverse event (major complication) affecting their cosmetic or functional outcome.

A systematic review of observational management of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest cancer in the United Kingdom and United States. Surgical excision is the most common treatment. This review summarises all published outcomes of observational/non-interventional management of cutaneous BCC.

METHODS

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases from inception-June 2021. All studies reporting outcomes of observational management for BCC were included.

RESULTS

We identified 2529 titles, from which 4 full-text articles were eligible, reporting on 2298 individuals. Two studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing histological clearance rates and adverse events following treatment with an inactive strategy (placebo cream) versus topical 5%-imiquimod (at different frequencies) for 6-12 weeks. Clearance rates ranged from 52-100% for imiquimod and 2-19% for placebo, with more adverse events associated with imiquimod. The other two studies used prospective cohort designs. One study assessed the natural history of BCCs managed expectantly in 39 individuals aged ≥80years. During the 15.8-month follow-up, 46.2% of lesions did not increase in size and 10.3% resolved. The remaining study compared treatment patterns of 1360 patients with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in individuals with or without limited life-expectancy (LLE). The LLE subgroup had a 5-year mortality rate of 43.3%, with no deaths attributed to NMSC. Only 3.3% of individuals with LLE underwent observational treatment. No study examined quality-of-life or cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

There has been limited investigation of observational management of BCC, despite possible advantages of this strategy. Future RCTs should compare quality-of-life outcomes and utility-adjusted survival following interventional or observational management of BCC.

Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and among Caucasians worldwide, with more people diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. Basal cell cancer is the most common form with an estimated 4.3 million cases diagnosed annually, and treatment costs estimated at $4.8 billion. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy of a topical solution consisting of 30% ascorbic acid in 95% dimethylsulfoxide with topical imiquimod in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Twenty-five patients with 29 biopsy confirmed basal cell carcinomas were randomly assigned to receive either the topically applied ascorbic acid treatment twice daily for 8 weeks or topical imiquimod, a standard and well characterized topical treatment. After 8 weeks, post-treatment biopsy of lesions showed complete resolution of 13/15 (86.7%) in the ascorbic acid group, while 8/14 (57.1%) lesions in the IMQ group were resolved (p < 0.05 Chi Square). Topical ascorbic acid was superior at 8 weeks, and non-inferior at 12 weeks to topical imiquimod in the treatment of low risk nodular and superficial lesions. In addition, ascorbic acid was associated with fewer adverse effects than imiquimod. 70% of patients in the imiquinod group showed residual hypopigmentation at 30mo follow up versus 0% in the ascorbate group.

Aktuelles Management des Basalzellkarzinoms

Ziel der Studie Der aktuelle Standard von Diagnostik und Therapie des Basalzellkarzinoms soll dargestellt werden. Hieraus sollen sinnvolle Vorgehensweisen für das klinische Management abgeleitet werden.

Methodik Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche in der Online-Datenbank PubMed. Die gesammelten Informationen wurden analysiert und bewertet. Aus den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen wurde ein Gesamtkonzept erstellt.

Ergebnisse Das Basalzellkarzinom ist der häufigste Tumor des Menschen und die Inzidenz wird voraussichtlich künftig weiter zunehmen. Beim Management der Erkrankung wird eine eindimensionale Orientierung am klinischen bzw. histologischen Basalzellkarzinom-Subtyp der Heterogenität des Tumors nicht gerecht. Zunehmende Bedeutung gewinnt die primäre Durchführung einer Risikostratifizierung, die für die weiteren diagnostischen und therapeutischen Schritte maßgeblich ist. Goldstandard in der Behandlung bleibt weiterhin das operative Vorgehen, welches möglichst mittels mikrografisch kontrollierter Chirurgie erfolgen sollte. Daneben existieren weitere Therapieverfahren wie die Radiotherapie oder eine Reihe an topischen Therapieoptionen (photodynamische Therapie, Kryotherapie oder Applikation von 5-Fluoruracil bzw. Imiquimod), die in bestimmten Fällen zur Anwendung kommen können. Auch für fortgeschrittene oder metastasierte Basalzellkarzinome stehen mit den Hedgehog-Inhibitoren wirksame Medikamente zur Verfügung, für die inzwischen eine mehrjährige Anwendungserfahrung hinsichtlich Wirksamkeit und Umgang mit unerwünschten Ereignissen vorliegt. Mit den PD-1-Inhibitoren steht eine weitere systemische Therapieoption in Aussicht, deren Nutzen aktuell noch in klinischen Studien überprüft wird.

Schlussfolgerung Das Basalzellkarzinom wird in den kommenden Jahren weiter an Relevanz in der täglichen dermatologischen Praxis gewinnen. Eine strukturierte Herangehensweise zur Einschätzung der vorliegenden Risikokategorie des Tumors und die anschließende Festlegung des optimalen Therapieregimes sind von zentraler Bedeutung. Fortgeschrittene oder metastasierte Tumoren stellen keine aussichtslose Situation für den Patienten mehr dar. Durch adaptierte Dosierschemata kann ein nebenwirkungsbedingter Therapieabbruch unter langfristiger Hedgehog-Therapie vermieden werden. Das therapeutische Potenzial von PD-1-Inhibitoren könnte bald auch beim Basalzellkarzinom genutzt werden.

Subtype-Specific Analyses Reveal Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinomas Are Highly Interactive with their Environment

Little is known regarding the molecular differences between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes, despite clearly distinct phenotypes and clinical outcomes. In particular, infiltrative BCCs have poorer clinical outcomes in terms of response to therapy and propensity for dissemination. In this project, we aimed to use exome sequencing and RNA sequencing to identify somatic mutations and molecular pathways leading to infiltrative BCCs. Using whole-exome sequencing of 36 BCC samples (eight infiltrative) combined with previously reported exome data (58 samples), we determine that infiltrative BCCs do not contain a distinct somatic variant profile and carry classical UV-induced mutational signatures. RNA sequencing on both datasets revealed key differentially expressed genes, such as POSTN and WISP1, suggesting increased integrin and Wnt signaling. Immunostaining for periostin and WISP1 clearly distinguished infiltrative BCCs, and nuclear β-catenin staining patterns further validated the resulting increase in Wnt signaling in infiltrative BCCs. Of significant interest, in BCCs with mixed morphology, infiltrative areas expressed WISP1, whereas nodular areas did not, supporting a continuum between subtypes. In conclusion, infiltrative BCCs do not differ in their genomic alteration in terms of initiating mutations. They display a specific type of interaction with the extracellular matrix environment regulating Wnt signaling.

Advanced nanomedicine approaches applied for treatment of skin carcinoma

Skin-cancer is the commonest malignancy affecting huge proportion of the population, reaching heights in terms of morbidity. The treatment strategies are presently focusing on surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which eventually cause destruction to unaffected cells. To overcome this limitation, wide range of nanoscaled materials have been recognized as potential carriers for delivering selective response to cancerous cells and neoplasms. Nanotechnological approach has been tremendously exploited in several areas, owing to their functional nanometric dimensions. The alarming incidence of skin cancer engenders burdensome effects worldwide, which is further awakening innovational medicinal approaches, accompanying target specific drug delivery tools for coveted benefits to provide reduced toxicity and tackle proliferative episodes of skin cancer. The developed nanosystems for anti-cancer agents include liposomes, ethosomes, nanofibers, solid lipid nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles, which exhibit pronounced outcomes for skin carcinoma. In this review, skin cancer with its sub-types is explained in nutshell, followed by compendium of specific nanotechnological tools presented, in addition to therapeutic applications of drug-loaded nano systems for skin cancer.

PI3K Promotes Basal Cell Carcinoma Growth Through Kinase-Induced p21 Degradation

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a locally invasive epithelial cancer that is primarily driven by the Hedgehog (HH) pathway. Advanced BCCs are a critical subset of BCCs that frequently acquire resistance to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors and identifying pathways that bypass SMO could provide alternative treatments for patients with advanced or metastatic BCC. Here, we use a combination of RNA-sequencing analysis of advanced human BCC tumor-normal pairs and immunostaining of human and mouse BCC samples to identify a PI3K pathway expression signature in BCC. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K activity in BCC cells significantly reduces cell proliferation and HH signaling. However, treatment of Ptch1^fl/fl; Gli1-Cre^ERT2 mouse BCCs with the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 results in a reduction of tumor cell growth with no significant effect on HH signaling. Downstream PI3K components aPKC and Akt1 showed a reduction in active protein, whereas their substrate, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, showed a concomitant increase in protein stability. Our results suggest that PI3K promotes BCC tumor growth by kinase-induced p21 degradation without altering HH signaling.

Axial flap for giant basal cell carcinoma of the anterior chest wall: Case report

Introduction and importance

Anterior chest wall Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma (GBCC) is rare amongst GBCC cases and results in a large defect that is challenging to resect and reconstruct. It requires multidisciplinary approach to prevent recurrence.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man with giant basal cell carcinoma at the anterior chest wall measuring 10 × 6 cm. Wide resection of 1 cm margin with axial flap was performed to close the defect. The follow-up report stated that the patient was satisfied with the result and there was no recurrence observed.

Clinical discussion

Review of literatures concludes that GBCC is excised with a minimum of 4-6 mm margin outside the tumor area. The axial IMAP flap is ideal to close the upper chest wall defect because of the better aesthetic outcome compared to other conventional flaps, especially in stable elderly male, patients with noninfected wound. Increased skin laxity and more relaxed skin tension associated with aging allows easier tissue mobilization and transfer to close the defect.

Conclusion

Axial flap for GBCC in anterior chest wall is ideal, safe, and has the advantage of aesthetic reasons of suitable skin tone, particularly for stable elderly male patients.

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A 72-year-old man presented with a seven-year history of ulcerating mass on his anterior chest wall.

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Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC).

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We performed wide resection with 1 cm margin and reconstruct the defect with axial flap.

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No evidence of recurrence observed after 1 year of resection.

Mohs micrographic surgery: a review of indications, technique, outcomes, and considerations

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized form of skin cancer surgery that has the highest cure rates for several cutaneous malignancies. Certain skin cancers can have small extensions or “roots” that may be missed if an excised tumor is serially cross-sectioned in a “bread-loaf” fashion, commonly performed on excision specimens. The method of Mohs micrographic surgery is unique in that the dermatologist (Mohs surgeon) acts as both surgeon and pathologist, from the preoperative considerations until the reconstruction. Since Dr. Mohs’s initial work in the 1930s, the practice of Mohs micrographic surgery has become increasingly widespread among the dermatologic surgery community worldwide and is considered the treatment of choice for many common and uncommon cutaneous neoplasms. Mohs micrographic surgery spares the maximal amount of normal tissue and is a safe procedure with very few complications, most of them managed by Mohs surgeons in their offices. Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for high risks basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and is commonly and increasingly used for melanoma and other rare tumors with superior cure rates. This review better familiarizes the dermatologists with the technique, explains the difference between Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision, and discusses its main indications.

The incidence and clinical analysis of non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancies diagnosed in Caucasian populations. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Unfortunately, most European cancer registries do not record individual types of NMSC. To evaluate the incidence of primary BCCs and SCCs regarding age, sex, tumour site and tumour subtype to determine trends in epidemiology of both cancers. Retrospective analysis of BCCs and SCCs diagnosed and treated across seven sites in Poland from 1999 to 2019. We recorded 13,913 NMSCs occurring in 10,083 patients. BCC represented 85.2% of all cases. SCC patients were older than BCC patients (77.1 ± 11.3 years vs. 70.1 ± 12.3 years, p < 0.01). The nodular subtype was the most common subtype of BCC, followed by the superficial and infiltrative subtypes. The superficial BCC subtype was more common on photoprotected areas (p < 0.01), whereas the nodular BCC subtype occurred on the face (p < 0.01). The high-risk SCC subtypes were more common on face compared to low-risk SCC subtypes (p < 0.01). BCC and SCC are common malignancies developing at various ages and anatomical sites. These data underline the need for better registration policies regarding NMSC in order to improve prevention and treatment strategies for these tumours.

Computed tomography-based flap brachytherapy for non-melanoma skin cancers of the face

PURPOSE

Non-melanoma skin cancers of the face are at high-risk for local recurrence and metastatic spread. While surgical interventions such as Mohs microsurgery are considered the standard of care, this modality has the potential for high rates of toxicity in sensitive areas of the face. Catheter flap high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy has shown promising results, with high rates of local control and acceptable cosmetic outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) located on the face were treated with 40 Gy in 8 fractions, given twice weekly via catheter flap HDR brachytherapy. Clinical target volume (CTV) included the visible tumor plus a margin of 5 mm in all directions, with no additional planning target volume (PTV) margin.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with 53 lesions on the face were included, with a median follow-up of 15 months. All were considered high-risk based on NCCN guidelines. Median tumor size and thickness were 18 mm and 5 mm, respectively. Median PTV volume and D90 were 1.7 cc and 92%, respectively. Estimated rate of local control at twelve months was 92%. Three patients (5%) experienced acute grade 2 toxicity. Two patients (4%) continued to suffer from chronic grade 1 skin toxicity at 12 months post-radiotherapy (RT), with an additional two patients (4%) experiencing chronic grade 2 skin toxicity. Forty-nine lesions (92%) were found to have a good or excellent cosmetic outcome with complete tumor remission.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-based flap applicator brachytherapy is a valid treatment option for patients with NMSC of the face. This modality offers high rates of local control with acceptable cosmetic outcomes and low rates of toxicity.

[Diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma : A question of the risk of recurrence]

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in Central Europe and has a high medical relevance. Due to its high tendency of recurrence, an important parameter in the planning of therapy is the risk of recurrence. After clinical and histological diagnosis, the majority of tumors are treated surgically, although radiation and topical procedures are also possible therapeutic alternatives in certain constellations. Hedgehog inhibitors, a completely new class of substances, have recently been approved for rare metastatic and locally advanced diseases, thus significantly expanding the range of treatments. This article provides an overview of the current guideline-based diagnosis and therapy of basal cell carcinomas in Germany.

High-Risk Recurrence Basal Cell Carcinoma: Focus on Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors and Review of the Literature

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin tumour, with the majority of the cases occurring on the head and neck district, where cosmetic and functional results are crucial. It can be locally destructive if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Surgery is the treatment of choice for most lesions, but aggressive, recurrent, or unresectable tumours can be challenging to manage. Advanced basal cell carcinoma includes high recurrence risk subtypes, in which standard therapies demonstrate lack of efficacy. This led to a need for investigating more deeply the pathogenesis of the disease and to the discovery of the implication of the hedgehog pathway. The development of systemic inhibitors of this pathway provides new treatment options for patients with advanced disease, resulting in survival improvement. Food and Drug Administration, before, and European Medicines Agency later approved 2 Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinomas, vismodegib and sonidegib. Here, we present a review of the current English language literature trying to analyze differences in the 2 drugs as a head-to-head comparison between them has not already been documented in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Although vismodegib and sonidegib showed similar efficacy and safety profiles, in an indirect comparison scenario, sonidegib has shown slightly better outcomes in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma than vismodegib. They present different molecular structures, as they bind different residues on their targets and develop resistance for different mutations. In a future scenario, clinical trials comparing the 2 drugs are needed, as well as expanding data on discontinuation of therapy and/or consequential administration of them, with the aim to improve our clinical practise.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Biological and Clinical Features

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). These neoplasms are highly diverse in their clinical presentation, as well as in their biological evolution. While the deregulation of the Hedgehog pathway is commonly observed in BCC, SCC and MCC are characterized by a strikingly elevated mutational and neoantigen burden. As result of our improved understanding of the biology of non-melanoma skin cancers, innovative treatment options including inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway and immunotherapeutic agents have been recently investigated against these malignancies, leading to their approval by regulatory authorities. Herein, we review the most relevant biological and clinical features of NMSC, focusing on innovative treatment approaches.

Surgical Margin of Excision in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Literature

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and consists of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common non-melanoma skin cancers. The ideal surgical treatment for BCC is complete removal, and it can be achieved either with safety margins or with micrographic control. The currently accepted treatment for basal cell carcinoma is an elliptical excision with a 4-mm surgical margin of clinically normal skin. However, because of cosmetic and functional constraints on the face, a 4-mm surgical margin is often not feasible. We used PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and Google scholar as our main databases to search for the relevant published studies and used "Basal cell carcinoma" and "narrow excision margins" as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords. Fifteen studies were finalized for the review, which included 3843 lesions. The size of the lesions ranged from 3 to 30 mm, with a mean size of 11.7 mm. Surgical margins varied from 1 to 5 mm. This review was done to evaluate if small, well-defined primary BCCs can be excised using narrow surgical margins. Based on the reviewed literature, we found that for primary well-demarcated BCCs smaller than 2 cm, in the low-risk group, a safety margin of 3 mm gives satisfactory results. In the high-risk group, and for lesions larger than 2 cm, a 4-6 mm margin is suggested for getting clear margins. Mohs micrographic surgery is advocated for more complex and recurrent lesions where the clinical margin is not apparent. However, micrographic surgery is not readily available in many places and requires more training and experience. Therefore, excision with 2 mm margins for clinically well-defined lesions with close follow-up can be followed to preserve the healthy tissue in anatomic constraint lesions and avoid the need for complex reconstructive procedures.

It's time for Mohs: Micrographic surgery for the treatment of high-risk basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck regions

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common variety of non-melanoma skin cancer and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The centrofacial sites (area H) are considered a high-risk factor for BCC local recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a technique that allows intraoperative microscopic control of the surgical margins and is a good treatment option when tissue conservation is required for esthetic or functional reasons or for high-risk lesions. The present study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate of head and neck high-risk BCCs comparing MMS vs conventional surgical excision. Clinical data of patients diagnosed from September 2014 to March 2017, referring to the Dermatology Unit of the Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, were retrospectively evaluated (285 treated with MMS and 378 treated with traditional surgery). Of the 285 patients treated with MMS, 9 experienced a recurrence (3.1%). Of the 378 patients treated with traditional surgery, 53 relapsed (14%), 13 of whom presented residual tumor on the deep or lateral margins of the main surgical specimen. Our study confirms the trend reported in the literature that MMS represents the best treatment option for high-risk BCCs arising in the head and neck region or presenting as a recurrence (P < .00001). Many more MMS centers and more trained dermatologists are needed worldwide in order to deal with the increasing number of BCC diagnosed every year.

Dual-Wavelength Optical Polarization Imaging for Detecting Skin Cancer Margins

Treatment of keratinocyte carcinomas requires an assessment of the extent of tumor spread. Visual delineation of tumor margins is error-prone owing to the limited contrast between cancerous and normal skin. In this contribution, we introduce spectrally-encoded optical polarization imaging and evaluate its performance for preoperative demarcation of keratinocyte carcinomas. Subjects with basal or squamous cell carcinoma, scheduled for Mohs surgery, were enrolled. The surgeon outlined the clinical boundary of each lesion preoperatively. Optical images of the lesions were then acquired at 440 and 640 nm. Spectral encoding of the experimental images minimized the impact of background pigmentation and vascularization. The surgeon was blinded to the imaging results. Margin assessments by imaging and by the surgeon were recorded and compared with the intraoperative histopathology. In total, 53 lesions were imaged in vivo. Thirteen cases required more than one Mohs stage. In all these cases, images accurately visualized the tumor. For cases negative following the first Mohs stage, margin assessments correlated with histopathology in 39 out of 40 cases. Imaging demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Spectrally-encoded optical polarization imaging may prove valuable for real-time noninvasive preoperative delineation of skin cancer.

Outcomes of Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery International Traveling Mentorship Program International Mohs Fellowship Recognition Units: A Retrospective Survey of 5889 Cases From South Africa, Romania, and the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) International Traveling Mentorship Program (ITMP) has initiated an International Mohs Fellowship Recognition Program, with 3 centers accredited to date.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare the outcomes of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at the three units.

METHODS

From patient files, we extracted demographic information, as well as tumor type, location of tumor, tumor histology, stages of MMS, and outcomes.

RESULTS

At the 3 units, 3,899 patients were treated with MMS over a 5-year period in the South African unit, and 1,141 cases in the Romanian unit. Over a 3-year period, 849 cases were treated in the Netherlands unit. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) constituted 78.9% (South African unit), 79% (Romanian unit), and 97.2% (Netherlands unit), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) 17.7% (South African unit), 19% (Romanian unit), and 0.7% (Netherlands unit) of the tumors treated. The recurrence rate following MMS was low, at 0.1% (South African Unit) and 0.17% (Romanian Unit) of cases at the end of the study period, with a median follow-up time of 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective treatment modality for removing BCC and SCC at ASDS ITMP-recognized International Mohs Fellowship units.

Dosimetric characterization of a novel 90Y source for use in the conformal superficial brachytherapy device

PURPOSE

To characterize the dose distribution in water of a novel beta-emitting brachytherapy source for use in a Conformal Superficial Brachytherapy (CSBT) device.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) sources were designed for use with a uniquely designed CSBT device. Depth dose and planar dose measurements were performed for bare sources and sources housed within a 3D printed source holder. Monte Carlo simulated dose rate distributions were compared to film-based measurements. Gamma analysis was performed to compare simulated and measured dose rates from seven ⁹⁰Y sources placed simultaneously using the CSBT device.

RESULTS

The film-based maximum measured surface dose rate for a bare source in contact with the surface was 3.35 × 10^-7 cGy s^-1 Bq^-1. When placed in the source holder, the maximum measured dose rate was 1.41 × 10^-7 cGy s^-1 Bq^-1. The Monte Carlo simulated depth dose rates were within 10% or 0.02 cm of the measured dose rates for each depth of measurement. The maximum film surface dose rate measured using a seven-source configuration within the CSBT device was 1.78 × 10^-7 cGy s^-1 Bq^-1. Measured and simulated dose rate distribution of the seven-source configuration were compared by gamma analysis and yielded a passing rate of 94.08%. The gamma criteria were 3% for dose-difference and 0.07056 cm for distance-to-agreement. The estimated measured dose rate uncertainty was 5.34%.

CONCLUSIONS

⁹⁰Y is a unique source that can be optimally designed for a customized CSBT device. The rapid dose falloff provided a high dose gradient, ideal for treatment of superficial lesions. The dose rate uncertainty of the ⁹⁰Y-based CSBT device was within acceptable brachytherapy standards and warrants further investigation.

Diagnosis and treatment of low-risk superficial basal cell carcinoma in a single visit

Introduction: Surgical excision remains the most commonly utilized treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). In the era of cost containment of healthcare, the rising incidence of BCC and the high cost of excision require a continuous search for efficient and cost-effective management.Objective: Examine the feasibility of the diagnosis and treatment of low-risk sBCC in a single visit.Materials and methods: Retrospective chart review of sBCCs diagnosed and treated in a single visit.Results: The study identified 151 histologically confirmed sBCCs in 86 patients over a 5-year period, 93 (61.6%) cases of which were diagnosed as low-risk sBCC and treated in a single appointment. The majority of the cases (n = 86) were treated with curettage alone and the rest (n = 7) with a shave removal technique. The average size of the lesion was 0.82 cm located primarily on the trunk and extremities (95.7%). One recurrence on the trunk was observed in the single appointment group. Overall, diagnostic sensitivity was 95.4% and specificity was 92.0%.Conclusions: Diagnosis and treatment of sBCC in a single visit is an efficient and cost-effective management option for those who are proficient in identifying low-risk sBCC.

S2k Guidelines for Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma - Part 2: Treatment, Prevention and Follow-up

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor among fair-skinned individuals, and its incidence had been steadily rising in the past decades. In order to maintain the highest quality of patient care possible, the German S2k guidelines were updated following a systematic literature search and with the participation of all professional societies and associations involved in the management of the disease. Part 2 addresses issues such as proper risk stratification, the various therapeutic approaches, and prevention as well as follow-up of patients with basal cell carcinoma.

Predicting incomplete basal cell carcinoma excisions - a large multidisciplinary retrospective analysis in a tertiary center

Introduction: Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas is often performed by physicians with different surgical backgrounds. Collecting data from different surgical departments would better reflect their real-life surgical management.Objectives: To identify the rate, recurrence risk, and predictive factors accordingly to their relative contribution for an incomplete basal cell carcinoma excision in a large multidisciplinary real-life settingMethods: Retrospective cohort study of 2305 surgically treated lesions in different departments of a tertiary center.Results: There was a rate of incomplete excisions (15%) and a recurrence rate (35.5% vs. 6.8% in incomplete vs. complete excisions (p < .001)). A third of incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma (BCC) will recur over time. Stratified by relevancy, high-risk histological subtypes (micronodular (OR 5.10 - p < .001) and morpheaform (OR 5.42 - p < .001), smaller specimen sizes ( <0.5 cm or 0.5-1 cm, OR 3.99 and 2.49, respectively, p < .001) high-risk locations (OR 3.06 on the nose, OR 2.77 on the eyelids, p < .001), and recurrent BCCs (OR 1.72, p < .001). are the best predictors of an incomplete excision.Conclusions: Acknowledging the rate, recurrence risk and predictive factors for incomplete excisions may be beneficial for optimal preoperative planning and to prevent unwarranted re-interventions, morbidity, and healthcare costs.

Nanotechnology approaches in the current therapy of skin cancer

Skin cancer is a high burden disease with a high impact on global health. Conventional therapies have several drawbacks; thus, the development of effective therapies is required. In this context, nanotechnology approaches are an attractive strategy for cancer therapy because they enable the efficient delivery of drugs and other bioactive molecules to target tissues with low toxic effects. In this review, nanotechnological tools for skin cancer will be summarized and discussed. First, pathology and conventional therapies will be presented, followed by the challenges of skin cancer therapy. Then, the main features of developing efficient nanosystems will be discussed, and next, the most commonly used nanoparticles (NPs) described in the literature for skin cancer therapy will be presented. Subsequently, the use of NPs to deliver chemotherapeutics, immune and vaccine molecules and nucleic acids will be reviewed and discussed as will the combination of physical methods and NPs. Finally, multifunctional delivery systems to codeliver anticancer therapeutic agents containing or not surface functionalization will be summarized.