Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

Multiple squamous cell carcinomas of the skin after therapy with sorafenib combined with tipifarnib

David S Hong1, Srini B Reddy, Victor G Prieto

  • 1Phase I Program, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Unit 455, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. dshong@mdanderson.org

Archives of Dermatology
|June 19, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies, sorafenib and tipifarnib, were linked to the rapid development of squamous cell carcinomas in a renal cell carcinoma patient. Discontinuation of treatment halted new lesion formation.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is known to suppress Raf kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
  • Previous reports indicate keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinoma in patients treated with sorafenib.
  • Actinic keratosis progression to squamous cell cancer has also been noted with sorafenib therapy.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma received combination therapy with sorafenib and tipifarnib.
  • Within three months of treatment initiation, she developed three erythematous nodules on her legs.
  • Pathological examination confirmed deeply invasive, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas.

Findings:

  • The patient developed cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas during targeted therapy.
  • Surgical excision of tumors and discontinuation of sorafenib-tipifarnib treatment led to no new lesion development.
  • A temporal association was observed between targeted treatment initiation and the emergence of skin cancers.

Implications:

  • Targeted agents like sorafenib and tipifarnib are increasingly used for visceral malignancies.
  • The rapid onset of squamous cell carcinomas suggests a potential mechanism linking these targeted agents to skin tumorigenesis.
  • Further research into these mechanisms may offer insights into skin tumor pathogenesis.

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...