Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
Anti-rejection drug treatment increases basal cell carcinoma burden in Ptch1+/- mice
Annika Vogt1, Jennifer Hebert, Jimmy Hwang
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94110, USA.
Abstract:
The development of extensive and severe non-melanoma skin cancer is an extremely common complication of organ transplantation and is assumed to be caused by long-term treatment with anti-rejection drugs (ARD). Despite this florid clinical problem, ARD treatments have been reported to affect experimental murine skin carcinogenesis only weakly. We report here that treatment of cesium-137-irradiated Ptch1+/- mice with immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine A plus prednisolone for 4-1/2 mo increased basal cell carcinoma burden by 2.5-fold. Thus, these mice provide a good model for study of the effects of long-term administration of ARD on at least one type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Insights
Organ transplant patients often develop non-melanoma skin cancer due to anti-rejection drugs (ARD). This study shows ARD significantly increases basal cell carcinoma in mice, offering a new model for research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a frequent complication in organ transplant recipients.
- Long-term immunosuppression with anti-rejection drugs (ARD) is the primary suspected cause.
- Previous studies showed limited impact of ARD on experimental skin carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of long-term immunosuppression on skin cancer development.
- To establish a suitable animal model for studying ARD-induced NMSC.
Main Methods:
- Cesium-137 irradiated Ptch1+/- mice were used.
- Mice received immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine A and prednisolone for 4.5 months.
- Basal cell carcinoma burden was quantified and compared.
Main Results:
- Treatment with ARD resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in basal cell carcinoma burden.
- This demonstrates a significant impact of ARD on skin carcinogenesis in this model.
Conclusions:
- Long-term administration of anti-rejection drugs significantly promotes basal cell carcinoma development.
- Ptch1+/- mice treated with ARD serve as a valuable model for studying NMSC in transplant patients.
