Emerging precision diagnostics in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) presents as unresectable or metastatic disease.
• Current treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have limitations, with many patients experiencing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Existing diagnostic, classification, and therapeutic decisions rely on clinical, histopathological, and radiological criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current diagnostic and therapeutic standards for advanced cSCC.
• To explore emerging diagnostic strategies, focusing on molecular biomarkers.
• To highlight the potential of liquid biopsy and tumor tissue-based analyses for personalized medicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current diagnostic and therapeutic standards for advanced cSCC.
• Analysis of recent findings on the mutational profile of cSCC.
• Discussion of emerging diagnostic approaches, including liquid biopsy and tumor tissue analysis.

Main Results:

• The mutational profile of cSCC is complex and requires further investigation.
• Current diagnostic and therapeutic standards are established but have limitations in patient stratification.
• Liquid biopsy and tumor tissue-based analyses represent promising avenues for enhanced diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Accurate patient stratification using molecular biomarkers is crucial for advancing precision medicine in cSCC.
• Emerging diagnostic techniques offer potential improvements over current methods.
• Further research into molecular profiling and novel biopsy techniques is warranted for improved cSCC management.