Keratinocyte Carcinomas: Current Concepts and Future Research Priorities

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are the most common keratinocyte carcinomas, primarily affecting fair-skinned individuals.
• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary carcinogen, with immunosuppression, aging, and pigmentary factors as additional risks.
• Emerging research highlights the roles of human papillomaviruses (HPV), the skin microbiome, and immune status in keratinocyte carcinoma development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent scientific advancements in understanding keratinocyte carcinoma tumorigenesis and characteristics.
• To discuss progress in prevention, targeted therapies, and immune-based treatments for cSCC and BCC.
• To identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research to reduce morbidity and costs associated with these skin cancers.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on keratinocyte carcinoma.
• Analysis of genomic data to identify risk variants and tumorigenic pathways.
• Evaluation of current and emerging treatment modalities, including chemoprevention, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Main Results:

• Genomic studies have identified risk variants and pathways in keratinocyte carcinoma development, aiding in prediction models.
• Advances in chemoprevention and targeted/immune therapies show potential to reduce cSCC and BCC morbidity and mortality.
• Increasing incidence necessitates enhanced prevention strategies, including sun protection and reduced tanning bed use.

Conclusions:

• Continued research is crucial to understand aggressive tumor factors, microbiome/HPV roles, and predict treatment responses.
• Personalized prevention and treatment strategies tailored to individual risk factors are needed.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will help reduce the significant burden of keratinocyte carcinomas.