Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunosuppressed Patients

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common dermatologic malignancy worldwide. A major risk factor for development of new lesions and more aggressive disease is immunosuppression. This study is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) in immunosuppressed patients.

As the variety of pharmaceutical alternatives for immunosuppression expands, the application of immunosuppression has increased. As the population at risk for cSCCHN due to immunosuppression has increased, our understanding of link between immunosuppression and cancer has expanded. In addition to surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy and systemic therapy remain major players in high-risk patients with cSCCHN. While immunotherapy demonstrates promise in immunocompetent cSCCHN patients, its role in immunosuppressed patients still needs to be delineated. Immunosuppressed patients are at higher risk of developing synchronous cSCCHN, each with an increased risk of recurrence. While surgery remains mainstay of treatment, further understanding is required to delineate the evolving role of adjuvant and potentially neoadjuvant therapies.