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Iancu D, Fulga A, Vesa D, Zenovia A, Fulga I, Sarbu MI, Tatu AL. Metastatic patterns and treatment options for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:40. [PMID: 38756868 PMCID: PMC11097132 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
According to current predictions, one-fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, which is the area of the body with the highest level of sun exposure. High-risk head and neck cSCC (HNcSCC) is a broad category with numerous high-risk factors that are associated with unfavorable results. In cSCC staging systems, clinical and tumor traits that are likely to result in poor outcomes are identified. Metastasis occurs in ~2.5% of patients with cSCC, most often in the local lymph nodes, and there is some indication that lymph node metastasis has a distinct pattern based on the tumor site. Current findings on tumor molecular targets have suggested the use of systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy (such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab), over radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of metastasis. However, when used simultaneously with immunotherapy, radiotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic HNcSCC by improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present review aims to assess the existing literature on metastatic HNcSCC pathways and treatment options, in order to define current and future directions. Notably, there is an urgent need to identify patients who may benefit from local or systemic cancer treatments. The treatment of lymph node metastasis presents a therapeutic challenge and requires comprehensive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Iancu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Ana Fulga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Doina Vesa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Andrei Zenovia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Cai Ferate’ General Hospital, 800223 Galati, Romania
| | - Iuliu Fulga
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Forensic Medicine, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ionela Sarbu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research, 800179 Galati, Romania
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De Felice F, Serpone M, Cattaneo CG, Di Giammarco F, Fallico A, Delle Donne A, Lanzilao M, Vitti E, Marampon F, Musio D, Tombolini V, Minniti G. Definitive weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy in surgery-ineligible older adults with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101596. [PMID: 37517887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101596] [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] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
This study intends to address the impact of weekly hypofractionated radiation therapy with curative intent for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Felice
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Serpone
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Guglielmo Cattaneo
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Di Giammarco
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Fallico
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Delle Donne
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Lanzilao
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Vitti
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Musio
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minniti
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 326, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Zeng Q, Chen C, Chen D, Zhang G, Wang X. Non-Surgical Therapeutic Strategies for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1978-1993. [PMID: 38095778 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a globally prevalent skin disease, with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma accounting for 99% of NMSC cases. While surgical excision is the most common approach, numerous non-surgical therapies have rapidly advanced in recent years. In cases of low-risk NMSC, alongside surgical excision, priority should be given to physical therapy and photodynamic therapy. Physical therapy modalities, exemplified by electrodessication and curettage, emerge as safe and efficacious alternatives. In juxtaposition, photodynamic therapy, albeit relatively more costly, assumes preference for patients exhibiting heightened cosmetic concerns owing to the scarring risks inherent to physical therapy and surgical excision. Notably, the combination of curettage and photodynamic therapy has exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, for elderly patients who may be intolerant to stimulation, modified photodynamic therapy offers an almost painless option. When surgery is unavoidable, photodynamic therapy can be a valuable adjunct, allowing for a more conservative surgical approach, either before or after the procedure. Radiotherapy holds a prominent role in comprehensive treatment strategies, especially for patients ineligible for surgical intervention or those with lesions precluding further surgical measures. In cases of NMSC exhibiting perineural invasion or lymphovascular involvement, adjunctive radiotherapy is advised; however, potential adverse effects necessitate careful consideration. For advanced NMSC cases where surgery and physical therapy fall short, immunotherapy provide viable solutions. Systemic therapy employing Hedgehog pathway inhibitors can be considered for patients with distant metastatic basal cell carcinoma, despite its low incidence, or individuals with locally advanced lesions who are not surgical candidates, or those encountering recurrences after resection and radiotherapy. However, close monitoring of disease progression and adverse reactions is crucial. In this evolving landscape of NMSC treatment, personalized and multidisciplinary approaches are key, ensuring optimal outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Zeng
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chengqian Chen
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Diyan Chen
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Guolong Zhang
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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De Felice F, Serpone M, Cattaneo CG, Di Giammarco F, Fallico A, Delle Donne A, Lanzilao M, Vitti E, Marampon F, Musio D, Tombolini V, Minniti G. Surgery-ineligible elderly patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region gain clinical benefit from definitive weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy. Head Neck 2023; 45:2363-2368. [PMID: 37439379 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27454] [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] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the role of definitive weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of surgery-ineligible elderly patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region (cHNSCC). METHODS Eligible elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with cHNSCC were included. Patients received definitive weekly hypofractionated RT, using megavoltage electrons, to a total dose of 56-64 Gy (8 Gy per fraction). Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), defined as the percentage of patients with a complete (CR) or partial response (PR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), pain response, tolerability, and safety. RESULTS A total of 19 patients with 27 lesions were included and treated with definitive weekly hypofractionated RT. All patients received the prescribed total dose. ORR was 92.6%, including 70.4% of lesions with a CR and 22.2% with a PR. Median DOR was 12 months. No severe toxicity occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the satisfying efficacy and acceptable toxicity of definitive weekly hypofractionated RT for cHNSCC in elderly patients. Our results establish weekly hypofractionated scheduleas a promising treatment option for elderly patients with cHNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Felice
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serpone
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Guglielmo Cattaneo
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Di Giammarco
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Fallico
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Delle Donne
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Lanzilao
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Vitti
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Musio
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minniti
- Radiation Oncology, Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Jiminez V, Yusuf N. An update on clinical trials for chemoprevention of human skin cancer. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2023; 9:4. [PMID: 37786882 PMCID: PMC10544834 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2022.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of skin cancer is complex, with multiple factors contributing to its development. The proactive treatment of skin cancer has been investigated in the form of chemoprevention of cutaneous malignancies in clinical trials. Chemoprevention is the use of natural or pharmacologic agents that prevent or reverse skin cancer development. Multiple trials have arisen over the past decades to explore the efficacy of specific agents to halt the progression of UV radiation damage. This comprehensive review article aims to assess clinical trials performed with chemopreventive agents for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. The following compounds were most often used in these trials: nicotinamide, retinoids, polyphenolic antioxidants, COX-2 selective inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, difluoromethylornithine, and 5-fluorouracil. Many agents show promise in their ability to prevent nonmelanoma skin cancer formation, with few melanoma trials demonstrating efficacy. The chemoprevention efforts aimed at skin cancer are complex; current and future trials will be instrumental in identifying therapeutic agents that pose efficacy in halting cancer development and assessing whether long-term administration is tolerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Jiminez
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Nabiha Yusuf
- Department of Dermatology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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Benkhaled S, Van Gestel D, Gomes da Silveira Cauduro C, Palumbo S, del Marmol V, Desmet A. The State of the Art of Radiotherapy for Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: A Review of the Literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:913269. [PMID: 35833108 PMCID: PMC9272768 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.913269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the general aging population and the fashion trend of sun exposure, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is rising. The management of NMSC is difficult and necessitates a multidisciplinary team (i.e., pathologists, dermatologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists). When surgery is not an option or will cause unacceptably functional morbidity, radiation therapy (RT) may be a preferable tissue-preserving option. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, RT has been shown to be quite effective in terms of cosmetic results and local control. Contact hypofractionated RT, brachytherapy, and electronic brachytherapy are all promising new treatments. However, rigorous, randomized trials are missing, explaining the disparity in dose, fractionation, and technique recommendations. Therefore, it is essential that interdisciplinary teams better understand RT modalities, benefits, and drawbacks. Our review will provide the role and indications for RT in patients with NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Benkhaled
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Sofian Benkhaled
| | - Dirk Van Gestel
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Samuel Palumbo
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Jolimont Hospital, La Louvière, Belgium
| | - Veronique del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antoine Desmet
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet-Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Ferini G, Palmisciano P, Forte S, Viola A, Martorana E, Parisi S, Valenti V, Fichera C, Umana GE, Pergolizzi S. Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Current and Future Role of Radiation Therapy in the Era of Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1871. [PMID: 35454779 PMCID: PMC9032290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective therapeutic option for small localized cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) among patients who are not eligible for or refuse surgery. RT also has a defined role as an adjuvant treatment in cases of adverse features that predispose to tumor recurrence after local excision. Since the development of cSCC is often a late consequence of chronic sun exposure, its occurrence is more common among elderly patients whose comorbidities may contraindicate surgical procedures. These could be impeded not only by frail medical conditions but also by technical issues. Indeed, an aggressive locoregional behavior of cSCC may culminate in unresectability due to widespread invasion of neighboring tissues. Moreover, cSCC could develop distant metastases. Both locally advanced and metastatic cSCCs carry a poor prognosis. In these scenarios, recent discoveries of tumor molecular targets are promoting the use of promising systemic therapies, especially immunotherapy, over RT. However, the results from using immunotherapy and, even more so, of chemotherapy are still not optimal. By contrast, advances in radiation delivery equipment can safely treat even large and complex-shaped cSCC targets in challenging body sites. In addition, RT could also have a role in metastatic cSCC settings by enhancing the effectiveness of concomitant immunotherapy. The aim of this review is to summarize and comment on the body of literature about the use of radiotherapy for operable and inoperable locally advanced cSCCs and for metastatic ones in an attempt to define its current and future role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ferini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, REM Radioterapia srl, Via Penninazzo 11, 95029 Viagrande, Italy;
| | | | - Stefano Forte
- IOM Ricerca srl, Via Penninazzo 11, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (S.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Anna Viola
- Fondazione Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, 95029 Viagrande, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Martorana
- IOM Ricerca srl, Via Penninazzo 11, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (S.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Silvana Parisi
- Radiation Oncology Unit—Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Vito Valenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, REM Radioterapia srl, Via Penninazzo 11, 95029 Viagrande, Italy;
| | - Corrado Fichera
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, 95029 Viagrande, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana
- Trauma and Gamma-Knife Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Stefano Pergolizzi
- Radiation Oncology Unit—Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (S.P.); (S.P.)
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