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Russomanno K, Abdel Azim S, Patel VA. Immunomodulators for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Updated Perspectives. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:1025-1045. [PMID: 37095898 PMCID: PMC10122480 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s362171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common cancers worldwide and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunosuppressed populations. Successful management of NMSC must take primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies into consideration. In response to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of NMSC and associated risk factors, multiple systemic and topical immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and integrated into clinical practice. Many of these drugs are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of precursor lesions (actinic keratoses; AKs), low-risk NMSC, and advanced disease. The identification of patients at high risk for the development of NMSC is critical in reducing disease morbidity. Understanding the various treatment options available and their comparative effectiveness is paramount for developing a personalized treatment regimen for such patients. This review article provides an updated overview of the various topical and systemic immunomodulatory drugs available for the prevention and treatment of NMSC, and the published data supporting their use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Russomanno
- Department of Dermatology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Medstar Medical Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sara Abdel Azim
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vishal A Patel
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Correspondence: Vishal A Patel, Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20037, USA, Tel +1 202 741 2600, Email
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Kalil CLPV, Reinehr CPH, Bakos RM. Short-Term Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial of 0.5% and 5% 5-Fluorouracil After Microneedling for Treatment of Facial Actinic Keratoses. Dermatol Surg 2022; 48:293-298. [PMID: 35125436 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000003301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used to treat actinic keratosis, although side effects limit treatment. Microneedling might be a tool for reducing treatment duration. OBJECTIVE To evaluate microneedling to promote 5-FU delivery at different concentrations (0.5% and 5%) for actinic keratoses (AKs) treatment. METHODS Forty-four patients with facial AKs subjected to 1.0 mm microneedling on 1 side of the face were randomized into 5% 5-FU or 0.5% 5-FU groups. Evaluations of efficacy and safety were conducted on days 21 and 111. RESULTS Forty-four patients aged 47 to 85 years were enrolled. Complete clearance of AKs was similar within groups for the side of the face treated with microneedling and 5-FU and the side treated with 5-FU alone in both the 5% and 0.5% 5-FU groups. Microneedling and 5% 5-FU was superior to microneedling and 0.5% 5-FU to reduce AKs (p = .025). Microneedling and 5% 5-FU resulted in fewer adverse effects than 5% 5-FU alone (p = .011). CONCLUSION Topical 5% and 0.5% 5-FU delivery for 3 days after microneedling was effective for treating facial AKs and equivalent to 5% and 0.5% 5-FU alone for 15 days after 3 months of follow-up. Microneedling may potentiate 5-FU treatment, reducing treatment time without losing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Luiza Petersen Vitello Kalil
- All authors are affiliated with the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Schmults CD, Blitzblau R, Aasi SZ, Alam M, Andersen JS, Baumann BC, Bordeaux J, Chen PL, Chin R, Contreras CM, DiMaio D, Donigan JM, Farma JM, Ghosh K, Grekin RC, Harms K, Ho AL, Holder A, Lukens JN, Medina T, Nehal KS, Nghiem P, Park S, Patel T, Puzanov I, Scott J, Sekulic A, Shaha AR, Srivastava D, Stebbins W, Thomas V, Xu YG, McCullough B, Dwyer MA, Nguyen MQ. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Squamous Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2022. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2021; 19:1382-1394. [PMID: 34902824 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The NCCN Guidelines for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer provide recommendations for diagnostic workup, clinical stage, and treatment options for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The NCCN panel meets annually to discuss updates to the guidelines based on comments from panel members and the Institutional Review, as well as submissions from within NCCN and external organizations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the introduction of a new surgical recommendation terminology (peripheral and deep en face margin assessment), as well as recent updates on topical prophylaxis, immunotherapy for regional and metastatic disease, and radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Murad Alam
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
| | | | - Brian C Baumann
- Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jeremy Bordeaux
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
| | | | | | - Carlo M Contreras
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
| | | | | | | | | | - Roy C Grekin
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | - Alan L Ho
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Nghiem
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
| | - Soo Park
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
| | - Tejesh Patel
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | | | - Jeffrey Scott
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yaohui G Xu
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center; and
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How to Assess the Efficacy of Interventions for Actinic Keratosis? A Review with a Focus on Long-Term Results. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204736. [PMID: 34682859 PMCID: PMC8538594 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinic keratoses (AK) are common lesions of the skin caused by cumulative sun exposure. Since AK may progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), guidelines uniformly recommend early and consequent treatment. A variety of interventions are available; however, most randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines focus on outcomes that are usually evaluated 8–12 weeks after the end of treatment. Importantly, these assessments can capture the short-term, transient outcomes, but do not allow any conclusions about long-term results to be drawn and do not reflect the probability of transition towards cSCC. Until now, few studies have assessed the long-term results of interventions for AK. Indeed, finding the most appropriate end-point and adjunct time point for determining the long-term results of interventions for AK remains a challenge. Here, we provide an overview of the different ways of measuring the efficacy of AK treatments, such as using recurrence rates or sustained clearance rates, and discuss methodological aspects. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of evidence from post-marketing surveillance trials for the detection of efficacy values and safety signals. Additionally, we emphasize that a follow-up period of 12 months might not be sufficient to reflect the long-term results and stress the urgent need for a longer follow-up period and regular risk-stratified surveillance.
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Steeb T, Wessely A, Petzold A, Brinker TJ, Schmitz L, Leiter U, Garbe C, Schöffski O, Berking C, Heppt MV. Evaluation of Long-term Clearance Rates of Interventions for Actinic Keratosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol 2021; 157:1066-1077. [PMID: 34347015 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Importance Multiple interventions are available for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). However, most randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses focus on short-term efficacy outcomes. Objective To investigate and synthesize the long-term efficacy (≥12 months) of interventions for AK from parallel-arm randomized clinical trials. Data Sources Searches in MEDLINE, Embase, and Central were conducted from inception until April 6, 2020. The reference lists of the included studies and pertinent trial registers were hand searched. The study was completed February 27, 2021. Study Selection Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of 2741 records. Finally, 17 published reports (original studies and follow-up reports) referring to 15 independent randomized clinical trials with an overall sample size of 4252 patients were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two reviewers independently extracted data on study, patient, and intervention characteristics. Network meta-analysis (NMA) of each outcome was conducted with a frequentist approach. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidance for NMA was used to assess the certainty of evidence. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized clinical trials was used to evaluate the methodologic quality. Main Outcomes and Measures Participant complete clearance, participant partial clearance, and lesion-specific clearance were the outcomes, with each assessed at least 12 months after the end of treatment. Results Data from 15 independent randomized clinical trials including 4252 patients were extracted and synthesized. Ten studies were included in an NMA for the outcome of participant complete clearance, with photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinate (ALA-PDT) showing the most favorable risk ratio (RR) compared with placebo (RR, 8.06; 95% CI, 2.07-31.37; GRADE, moderate), followed by imiquimod, 5% (RR, 5.98; 95% CI, 2.26-15.84; GRADE, very low), photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL-PDT) (RR, 5.95; 95% CI, 1.21-29.41; GRADE, low), and cryosurgery (RR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.36-16.66; GRADE, very low). Similarly, ALA-PDT had the highest RR in the NMA for lesion-specific clearance (RR, 5.08; 95% CI, 2.49-10.33; GRADE, moderate). No NMA was possible for participant partial clearance owing to poor reporting of this outcome. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and network meta-analysis found that therapy including ALA-PDT, imiquimod, 5%, MAL-PDT, and cryosurgery was associated with significant long-term efficacy in the NMA. This study provides data for a possible use in an evidence-based framework for selecting interventions with sustained lesion clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne Petzold
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Titus J Brinker
- Digital Biomarkers for Oncology Group, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz Schmitz
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Dermatopathology, MVZ Corius DermPathBonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schöffski
- School of Business, Economics and Society, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus V Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Steeb T, Heppt MV, Becker L, Kohl C, French LE, Berking C. Long-term efficacy of interventions for actinic keratosis: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2019; 8:237. [PMID: 31604446 PMCID: PMC6788027 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actinic keratoses (AK) are common precancerous lesions of the skin due to cumulative sun exposure. A variety of interventions are available for the treatment; however, the majority of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses focus on short-term efficacy outcomes. This network meta-analysis aims to investigate the long-term (> 12 months) efficacy of interventions for AK. METHODS To identify relevant studies, we will perform a systematic literature research in MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL and hand-search pertinent trial registers. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for eligibility. We will include RCTs with an inter-individual (parallel arm) design. The study population includes patients with a clinical or histopathologic diagnosis of AK. Eligibility will be restricted to the following interventions: surgical approaches, cryosurgery, ablative laser treatment, topical drug treatment with 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, ingenol mebutate, diclofenac, or photodynamic therapy. As outcomes, we will consider the following endpoints: (1) the participant complete clearance rate, (2) the participant partial clearance rate, (3) the lesion-specific clearance, (4) the mean lesion reduction per patient, and (5) the number of withdrawals due to adverse events after at least 12 months after the end of treatment. Monotherapy or placebo will serve as a comparison. Estimates of effects from individual studies will be pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity will be evaluated based on I2 and chi-square test. The risk of bias will be estimated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool by two review authors independently. The quality of evidence of the outcomes will be assessed with the GRADE approach. A network meta-analysis will be performed to combine direct and indirect evidence from the included RCTs. DISCUSSION The potential of interventions to achieve a sustained clearance of AK has not been assessed to date. To investigate the long-term efficacy of interventions is important as the natural disease course is highly variable and relapses occur frequently even after initial lesion clearance. This review will help to set a framework for clinical decision making in patients with AK. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION CRD42018095903 (PROSPERO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus V. Heppt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Becker
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Kohl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars E. French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital of LMU, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337, Munich, Germany
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Galimberti GN. Daylight Photodynamic Therapy Versus 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: A Case Series. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2018; 8:137-141. [PMID: 29322431 PMCID: PMC5825324 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-017-0219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) continues to increase worldwide. Currently available options for the treatment of AK include topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and daylight-mediated photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT). This split-face pilot study compared DL-PDT using 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) cream versus 5-FU cream in patients with AK on the face/scalp. Methods Five male subjects (mean age 70 years) with grade I–III AK on the face/scalp were enrolled. Subjects received a single session of DL-PDT with 16% MAL on one side and topical 5% 5-FU for 21 days on the other side. Evaluations of efficacy, safety, and subject satisfaction were conducted 48 h, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. Results At 3 months, the lesion complete response rate was 80% and 93% for DL-PDT and 5-FU, respectively. Lesion partial response was 20% and 7%, respectively. Fewer treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported with DL-PDT than with 5-FU, and they resolved spontaneously in 5–7 and 27–30 days, respectively. Subjects preferred DL-PDT because of the lower incidence of AEs and rapid recovery compared with 5-FU. Conclusion DL-PDT is a convenient alternative to 5-FU with good efficacy and a favorable safety profile, allowing patients to effectively treat their AK without compromising their social life. Funding Galderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaston Nestor Galimberti
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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8
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Villa A, Woo SB. Leukoplakia—A Diagnostic and Management Algorithm. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017; 75:723-734. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Exuberant inflammatory reaction to occlusion of topical 5-fluorouracil (FU) under a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask: A warning to dermatologists and patients. JAAD Case Rep 2016; 2:278-80. [PMID: 27486594 PMCID: PMC4949501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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10
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Costa C, Scalvenzi M, Ayala F, Fabbrocini G, Monfrecola G. How to treat actinic keratosis? An update. J Dermatol Case Rep 2015; 9:29-35. [PMID: 26236409 DOI: 10.3315/jdcr.2015.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Actinic keratosis (AKs) is one of the most common skin lesions leading to an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and other skin malignancies. The lesions principally arise as a result of excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. AKs may regress spontaneously, remain stable or evolve to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of squamous cell carcinoma is significantly increased patients with more than 5 AKs. The main mechanisms involved in the formation of AK are inflammation, mutagenesis, oxidative stress, impaired apoptosis, immunosuppression, disregulation of cell growth and proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Human papilloma virus has also been correlated with the formation of some AKs. As an individual ages, his skin is exposed to increasing cumulative amounts of UV light and other environmental insults. This is especially true for the head, neck and forearms. These insults do not target only the skin where individual lesions develop, but also the surrounding area. In this area undetectable preclinical AK lesions or dysplastic cells may be present. The whole affected area is known as the 'field'. Therefore, management is divided into lesion-directed and field-directed therapies. Currently, the therapies in use are lesion-directed cryotherapy and/or excision, and field-directed topical agents: 5-fluorouracil, diclofenac, photodynamic therapy, imiquimod, and ingenol mebutate. Combining lesion- and field-directed therapies showed good results and several novel therapies are under investigation. Treatment is variable and personalized, what makes a gold standard management algorithm difficult to design. This review aims to describe the rationale behind the available treatment options for AKs based on current understanding of pathophysiology and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Costa
- Department of Dermatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Ayala
- Department of Dermatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Ferrándiz C, Fonseca-Capdevila E, García-Diez A, Guillén-Barona C, Belinchón-Romero I, Redondo-Bellón P, Moreno-Giménez J, Senán R. Adaptación española de la Guía europea para la evaluación y tratamiento de la queratosis actínica. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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12
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Ferrándiz C, Fonseca-Capdevila E, García-Diez A, Guillén-Barona C, Belinchón-Romero I, Redondo-Bellón P, Moreno-Giménez JC, Senán R. Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of actinic keratosis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2014; 105:378-93. [PMID: 24725552 DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current trends in our setting indicate that the prevalence of actinic keratosis and similar diseases will increase in coming years and impose a greater burden on health care resources. A long list of clinical features must be taken into account when approaching the treatment of actinic keratosis. Until recently, therapeutic approaches focused solely on ablative procedures and the treatment of individual lesions and did not take into account areas of field cancerization. Now that the therapeutic arsenal has grown, standardized criteria are needed to guide the optimal choice of treatment for each patient. The elaboration of evidence-based consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis generates knowledge that will help clinicians to deliver the highest level of care possible, standardizing decision-making processes and enhancing awareness among all the health professionals involved in the care pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ferrándiz
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Germans Trías i Pujol, Badalona, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Fonseca-Capdevila
- Servicio de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A García-Diez
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Guillén-Barona
- Servicio de Dermatología, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - I Belinchón-Romero
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - P Redondo-Bellón
- Servicio de Dermatología, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - J C Moreno-Giménez
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - R Senán
- Centro de Atención Primaria El Clot, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions heralding an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other skin malignancies, arising principally due to excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. They are predominantly found in fair-skinned individuals, and increasingly, are a problem of the immunosuppressed. AKs may regress spontaneously, remain stable or transform to invasive SCC. The risk of SCC increases for those with more than 5 AKs, and the majority of SCCs arise from AKs. The main mechanisms of AK formation are inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, impaired apoptosis, mutagenesis, dysregulation of cell growth and proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Human papilloma virus has also been implicated in the formation of some AKs. Understanding these mechanisms guides the rationale behind the current available treatments for AKs. One of the main principles underpinning the management of AKs is that of field cancerization. Wide areas of skin are exposed to increasing amounts of UV light and other environmental insults as we age. This is especially true for the head, neck and forearms. These insults do not target only the skin where individual lesions develop, but also large areas where crops of AKs may appear. The skin between lesions is exposed to the same insults and is likely to contain as-yet undetectable preclinical lesions or areas of dysplastic cells. The whole affected area is known as the ‘field’. Management is therefore divided into lesion-directed and field-directed therapies. Current therapies include lesion-directed cryotherapy and/or excision, and topical field-directed creams: 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, photodynamic therapy and ingenol mebutate. Combining lesion- and field-directed therapies has yielded good results and several novel therapies are under investigation. Treatment is variable and tailored to the individual making a gold standard management algorithm difficult to design. This literature review article aims to describe the rationale behind the best available therapies for AKs in light of current understanding of pathophysiology and epidemiology. A PubMed and MEDLINE search of literature was performed between January 1, 2000 and September 18, 2013. Where appropriate, articles published prior to this have been referenced. This is not a systematic review or meta-analysis, but aims to highlight the most up to date understanding of AK disease and its management.
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