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Molecularly targeted therapies for nonmelanoma skin cancers

Lucinda S Liu1, Oscar R Colegio

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8059, USA.

International Journal of Dermatology
|May 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Advances in cancer genetics have identified molecular targets for novel therapies against skin cancers. This review covers targeted treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer genetics and molecular biology have revealed key pathways in cutaneous malignancies.
  • This understanding has enabled the development of targeted therapies for skin cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular pathways driving nonmelanoma skin cancers.
  • To discuss novel pharmacologic agents targeting these pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular pathways in skin cancer development.
  • Review of targeted therapies including vismodegib, cetuximab, imatinib, and sirolimus.

Main Results:

  • Identification of critical molecular pathways in nonmelanoma skin cancers.
  • Overview of targeted agents for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Conclusions:

  • Molecularly targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in treating nonmelanoma skin cancers.
  • Understanding specific molecular pathways allows for rational drug design and improved patient outcomes.

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