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Catalano M, Nozzoli F, De Logu F, Nassini R, Roviello G. Management Approaches for High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Perineural Invasion: An Updated Review. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024:10.1007/s11864-024-01234-z. [PMID: 39102167 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) stands as the second most prevalent non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, comprising approximately 20% of all cutaneous malignancies. Determining its precise incidence poses challenges; however, reports indicate a global increase in its prevalence. At the time of diagnosis, the majority of cSCCs are localized, resulting in favorable 5-year cure rates surpassing 90%. Nevertheless, a subset of patients (3-7%) encounters locally advanced or metastatic cSCC, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The risk of metastasis ranges from 0.1% to 9.9%, carrying an associated mortality risk of 2.8%. Factors influencing recurrence, metastasis, and disease-specific mortality underscore the significance of perineural invasion (PNI) as a key indicator. Patients with PNI may manifest clinical symptoms and/or radiologic signs of PNI, while the majority remain asymptomatic, and PNI is frequently identified upon histologic examination. Despite its lower frequency compared to other cancer types, PNI serves as a recognized adverse prognostic factor for cSCC. Surgery is the elective treatment for these patients, while the role of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) is yet contentious and have not been conclusively assessed, particularly in clear surgical margin. Prospective comparative studies are required to comprehensively evaluate the benefit and the risks of ART for cSCC and PNI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology & Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Filippo Nozzoli
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology & Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology & Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology & Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Lacerda PN, Lange EP, Luna NM, Miot HA, Abbade LPF. Efficacy of micrographic surgery versus conventional excision in reducing recurrence for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1058-1069. [PMID: 38116955 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The standard of care for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involves excision by conventional surgery (CS) with a predefined safety margin of resection or micrographic surgery (MS) with microscopic margin control. Previous studies have reported the superiority of MS in reducing recurrences for high-risk BCC and SCC. This systematic review aimed to assess MS and CS recurrence rates by including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted for related studies in PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINHAL and Cochrane until May 2023. RCTs and cohorts involving patients with BCC or SCC submitted to MS and CS were included. Risk of bias assessment followed Cochrane-recommended tools for RCTs and cohorts, and certainty of evidence followed the GRADE approach. Pooled estimates were used to determine the relative risk (RR) and absolute risk difference (RD) using a random-effects model. Seventeen studies were included, two RCTs and fifteen cohorts. There were 82 recurrences in 3050 tumours submitted to MS, with an overall recurrence rate of 3.1% (95% CI 2.0%-4.7%). For CS, there were 209 recurrences in 3453 tumours, with a recurrence rate of 5.3% (95% CI 2.9%-9.3%). The combined estimate of RR was 0.48 (95% CI 0.36-0.63), without heterogeneity nor evidence of publication bias (p > 0.3). The RD resulted in 2.9% (95% CI 1.0%-4.9%; NNT = 35). Regarding subgroup analysis, the RR for BBC was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25-0.54), and RD was 3.7% (95% CI 0.8%-6.5%; NNT = 28). For SCC, RR was 0.57 (95% CI 0.29-1.13), and RD was 1.9% (95% CI 0.8%-4.7%; NNT = 53). Among primary tumours, RR was 0.39 (95% CI 0.28-0.54), and for recurrent tumours was 0.67 (95% CI 0.30-1.50). There is moderate evidence based on two RCTs, and low evidence based on 15 cohort studies that MS is superior to CS in reducing recurrences of BCCs and primary tumours. The development of protocols that maximize the cost-effectiveness of each method in different clinical scenarios is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Neri Lacerda
- Department of Dermatology, Infectology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Eloana Pasqualin Lange
- Department of Dermatology, Infectology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Natália Miranda Luna
- Department of Dermatology, Infectology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Hélio Amante Miot
- Department of Dermatology, Infectology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Luciana Patrícia Fernandes Abbade
- Department of Dermatology, Infectology, Imaging Diagnosis and Radiotherapy, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, Brazil
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3
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Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, Lebbe C, van Akkooi A, Bataille V, Bastholt L, Dreno B, Dummer R, Fargnoli MC, Forsea AM, Harwood CA, Hauschild A, Hoeller C, Kandolf-Sekulovic L, Kaufmann R, Kelleners-Smeets NW, Lallas A, Leiter U, Malvehy J, Del Marmol V, Moreno-Ramirez D, Pellacani G, Peris K, Saiag P, Tagliaferri L, Trakatelli M, Ioannides D, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Arenberger P, Eggermont AMM, Röcken M, Grob JJ, Lorigan P. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Part 2. Treatment-Update 2023. Eur J Cancer 2023; 193:113252. [PMID: 37708630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In order to update recommendations on treatment, supportive care, education, and follow-up of patients with invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a multidisciplinary panel of experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), and the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) was formed. Recommendations were based on an evidence-based literature review, guidelines, and expert consensus. Treatment recommendations are presented for common primary cSCC (low risk, high risk), locally advanced cSCC, regional metastatic cSCC (operable or inoperable), and distant metastatic cSCC. For common primary cSCC, the first-line treatment is surgical excision with postoperative margin assessment or micrographically controlled surgery. Achieving clear surgical margins is the most important treatment consideration for patients with cSCCs amenable to surgery. Regarding adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with high-risk localised cSCC with clear surgical margins, current evidence has not shown significant benefit for those with at least one high-risk factor. Radiotherapy should be considered as the primary treatment for non-surgical candidates/tumours. For cSCC with cytologically or histologically confirmed regional nodal metastasis, lymph node dissection is recommended. For patients with metastatic or locally advanced cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiotherapy, anti-PD-1 agents are the first-line systemic treatment, with cemiplimab being the first approved systemic agent for advanced cSCC by the Food and Drugs Administration/European Medicines Agency. Second-line systemic treatments for advanced cSCC, include epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (cetuximab) combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Multidisciplinary board decisions are mandatory for all patients with advanced cSCC, considering the risks of toxicity, the age and frailty of patients, and co-morbidities, including immunosuppression. Patients should be engaged in informed, shared decision-making on management and be provided with the best supportive care to improve symptom management and quality of life. The frequency of follow-up visits and investigations for subsequent new cSCC depends on underlying risk characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Stratigos
- First Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Claus Garbe
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clio Dessinioti
- First Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Celeste Lebbe
- Université Paris Cite, Dermato-Oncology AP-HP Hôpital Saint Louis, Cancer Institute APHP. Nord-Université Paris Cite, INSERM U976, Paris, France
| | - Alexander van Akkooi
- Department of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Lars Bastholt
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Dreno
- Nantes Université, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302/EMR6001, Nantes, France
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Skin Cancer Centre at University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Dermatology Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ana Maria Forsea
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Department of Oncologic Dermatology, Elias University Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catherine A Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Axel Hauschild
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Hoeller
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Roland Kaufmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicole Wj Kelleners-Smeets
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Aimilios Lallas
- First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Dermatology Department of Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBER de enfermedades raras, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronique Del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Moreno-Ramirez
- Department of Medical and Surgical Dermatology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Ketty Peris
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Addominali ed Endocrino Metaboliche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Philippe Saiag
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise-Paré hospital, APHP, and EA 4340 'Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato-oncology', UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A, Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Myrto Trakatelli
- Department of Dermatology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University Department of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ricardo Vieira
- Department of Dermatology, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Petr Arenberger
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander M M Eggermont
- University Medical Center Utrecht and Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Technical University Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Röcken
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Paul Lorigan
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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4
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Peris K, Fargnoli MC, Kaufmann R, Arenberger P, Bastholt L, Seguin NB, Bataille V, Brochez L, Del Marmol V, Dummer R, Forsea AM, Gaudy-Marqueste C, Harwood CA, Hauschild A, Höller C, Kandolf L, Kellerners-Smeets NWJ, Lallas A, Leiter U, Malvehy J, Marinović B, Mijuskovic Z, Moreno-Ramirez D, Nagore E, Nathan P, Stratigos AJ, Stockfleth E, Tagliaferri L, Trakatelli M, Vieira R, Zalaudek I, Garbe C. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma-update 2023. Eur J Cancer 2023; 192:113254. [PMID: 37604067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketty Peris
- Institute of Dermatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roland Kaufmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Petr Arenberger
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lars Bastholt
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Veronique Bataille
- Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Lieve Brochez
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veronique Del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana-Marie Forsea
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, Elias University Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Catherine A Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Axel Hauschild
- Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Höller
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lidija Kandolf
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nicole W J Kellerners-Smeets
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Aimilios Lallas
- First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Melanoma Unit), University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona & CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Branka Marinović
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zeljko Mijuskovic
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - David Moreno-Ramirez
- Dermatology. Medicine School, University of Seville, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville-Spain
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncologia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alexander J Stratigos
- First Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eggert Stockfleth
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Radioterapiche ed Ematologiche, Rome, Italy
| | - Myrto Trakatelli
- Second Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ricardo Vieira
- Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Dermatology Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claus Garbe
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
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Lin A, Schmalbach CE. Surgery in the Era of Immunotherapy for Advanced Head and Neck Non-melanoma Skin Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:735-742. [PMID: 37010785 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Immunotherapy (IO) has emerged as an alternative option. This review provides a contemporary summary of how to incorporate IO into the management of advanced NMSC. Evidence-based outcomes and recent clinical trials are provided with emphasis on the three most common NMSC diagnoses: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). RECENT FINDINGS Surgical resection while preserving form and function remains the standard of care for the majority of NMSCs. In recalcitrant cases failing traditional surgery and/or primary radiation, patient ineligible for such treatments, or unresectable disease, IO has emerged as a promising alternative. In the majority of cases, it is a supplanting primary chemotherapy. Surgery remains the standard of care for NMSC. Immunotherapy has emerged as an alternative option for non-surgical candidates and as a neoadjuvant means to minimize morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Cecelia E Schmalbach
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Rauchenwald T, Augustin A, Steinbichler TB, Zelger BW, Pierer G, Schmuth M, Wolfram D, Morandi EM. Resection of Skin Cancer Resulting in Free Vascularized Tissue Reconstruction: Always a Therapeutic Failure? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092464. [PMID: 37173928 PMCID: PMC10177333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The globally increasing incidence of cutaneous malignancies leads, in parallel, to increasing numbers of locally advanced skin cancer resulting in reconstructive surgery. Reasons for locally advanced skin cancer may be a patient's neglect or aggressive tumor growth, such as desmoplastic growth or perineural invasion. This study investigates characteristics of cutaneous malignancies requiring microsurgical reconstruction with the aim of identifying possible pitfalls and improving diagnostic and therapeutic processes. A retrospective data analysis from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Seventeen patients (n = 17) were included. The mean age at reconstructive surgery was 68.5 (±13) years. The majority of patients (14/17, 82%) presented with recurrent skin cancer. The most common histological entity was squamous cell carcinoma (10/17, 59%). All neoplasms showed at least one of the following histopathological characteristics: desmoplastic growth (12/17, 71%), perineural invasion (6/17, 35%), or tumor thickness of at least 6 mm (9/17, 53%). The mean number of surgical resections until cancer-free resection margins (R0) were achieved was 2.4 (±0.7). The local recurrence rate and the rate of distant metastases were 36%. Identified high-risk neoplastic characteristics, such as desmoplastic growth, perineural invasion, and a tumor depth of at least 6 mm, require a more extensive surgical treatment without concerns about defect size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Rauchenwald
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Angela Augustin
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Theresa B Steinbichler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Bernhard W Zelger
- Private Praxis for Dermatopathology Innsbruck & Zams, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Gerhard Pierer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Matthias Schmuth
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Dolores Wolfram
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Evi M Morandi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
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