Advances and Considerations in the Management of Actinic Keratosis: An Expert Consensus Panel Report

Abstract

Insights

Actinic Keratosis (AK) management requires understanding treatment efficacy and patient adherence. Newer therapies for AKs may improve outcomes through faster action and shorter treatment courses, enhancing patient compliance.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Dermatopathology

Background:

  • Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a pre-malignant skin condition with uncertain progression risk to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  • Recurrent AK treatment cycles can be hindered by therapeutic efficacy and patient adherence challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current literature on AK management into guiding principles.
  • To enhance patient experiences and treatment outcomes for Actinic Keratosis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review on AK epidemiology, natural history, prognosis, and management.
  • Expert consensus panel (10 dermatologists/dermatopathologists) using a modified Delphi process.
  • Development and supermajority adoption of consensus statements on AK pathogenesis and management.

Main Results:

  • Seven consensus statements on Actinic Keratosis pathogenesis and management were developed by the expert panel.

Conclusions:

  • The undefined risk of AK progression to SCC necessitates long-term, effective treatment strategies.
  • Understanding newer AK therapies with rapid onset, shorter courses, and reduced local skin reactions is crucial for dermatologist counseling and improved patient adherence and outcomes.

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...
4.9K
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.7K
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
2.9K
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells01:12

Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells

The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular...
2.7K
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
898
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
769