Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common type of neoplasia, representing a terrible burden on patients’ life and clinical management. Although it seldom metastasizes, and most cases can be effectively treated with surgical intervention, once metastatic cSCC displays considerable aggressiveness leading to the death of affected individuals. No consensus has been reached as to which features better characterize the aggressive behavior of cSCC, an achievement hindered by the high mutational burden caused by chronic ultraviolet light exposure. Even though some subtypes have been recognized as high risk variants, depending on certain tumor features, cSCC that are normally thought of as low risk could pose an increased danger to the patients. In light of this, specific genetic and epigenetic markers for cutaneous SCC, which could serve as reliable diagnostic markers and possible targets for novel treatment development, have been searched for. This review aims to give an overview of the mutational landscape of cSCC, pointing out established biomarkers, as well as novel candidates, and future possible molecular therapies for cSCC.
Highlights
Skin is the largest human organ and serves as the first line protective barrier against environmental assaults
Cutaneous cancer represents the most common worldwide malignancy, and its incidence shows few signs of plateauing. It is generally divided into malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as the major subtypes [1]
Numerous attempts have been made to reduce the number of cases, by informing the public about the risk factors involved in the appearance of cutaneous carcinoma, the means for prevention and the importance of early diagnosis, but still, the incidence continues to rise [5]
Summary
Skin is the largest human organ and serves as the first line protective barrier against environmental assaults. Accumulation of these stresses (sun damage, microorganisms, noxious agents) can lead to cutaneous neoplasia, commonly named skin cancer. Cutaneous cancer represents the most common worldwide malignancy, and its incidence shows few signs of plateauing. It is generally divided into malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as the major subtypes [1]. The personal, medical and financial issues associated with cutaneous carcinoma continue to represent a heavy burden on patients’ life and clinical management [2,3]
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