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Updated: May 26, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Skin cancers and their etiologies
1Memorial Sloan-Kettering Skin Cancer Center, Hauppauge, New York, USA. marghooa@MSKCC.ORG
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|December 20, 2011
Summary
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer. Targeting specific gene pathways like Patched and Hedgehog shows promise for new, non-surgical treatments for resistant BCC cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Skin cancers represent the most frequent malignancies.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for improved survival and reduced morbidity.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can present as recurrent or resistant lesions, particularly infiltrative and morpheaform types, with poorer prognoses when perineural invasion is present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) etiology.
- To explore the role of genetic mutations in BCC development and treatment resistance.
- To highlight the potential of targeted therapies for BCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on skin cancer etiology and genetics.
- Analysis of prognostic factors in different types of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
- Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific genetic pathways.
Main Results:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) exhibits varying recurrence rates and morbidity based on lesion type.
- Infiltrative and morpheaform BCC with perineural invasion have the least favorable prognoses.
- Genetic mutations in Patched and Hedgehog pathways are implicated in BCC development.
Conclusions:
- Targeting driver mutations in the Patched and Hedgehog pathways offers a promising avenue for novel, nonsurgical treatments for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
- Further research into these genetic pathways could revolutionize BCC management, especially for resistant cases.
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