Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Genetic Update and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Skin cancer is one of the main types of cancer worldwide, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent within this group. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types. Multifactorial features are well-known for cancer development, and new hallmarks are gaining relevance. Genetics and epigenetic regulation play an essential role in cancer susceptibility and progression, as well as the variety of cells and molecules that interact in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on the genetic features of NMSC, candidate genes, and new therapies, considering diverse perspectives of skin carcinogenesis. The global health situation and the pandemic have been challenging for health care systems, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. We provide innovative approaches to overcome the difficulties in the current clinical dynamics.

Pre‐operative high‐frequency ultrasound: a reliable management tool in auricular and nasal non‐melanoma skin cancer

“…Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has the highest incidence, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), most of which are localized in the head and neck area 1 . Although NMSCs have low metastatic potential, they can lead to local, impairing tissue destruction if left untreated 2 . Micrographic controlled surgery represents the gold‐standard treatment of NMSC patients who are appropriate candidates, having the highest cure rate (> 90%).…”

“…1 Although NMSCs have low metastatic potential, they can lead to local, impairing tissue destruction if left untreated. 2 Micrographic controlled surgery represents the gold-standard treatment of NMSC patients who are appropriate candidates, having the highest cure rate (> 90%). However, complex reconstruction techniques are often necessary, while preservation of function and cosmesis remain a relevant objective of the treatment.…”

Präoperativer Hochfrequenzultraschall: Ein zuverlässiges Managementinstrument bei nichtmelanozytärem Hautkrebs der Ohrmuschel und der Nase

“…1 Obwohl NMSC ein geringes Metastasierungspotenzial haben, können sie zu erheblicher lokaler Morbidität führen, wenn sie unbe-handelt bleiben. 2 Die mikrografisch kontrollierte Chirurgie stellt den Goldstandard der Therapie für NMSC-Patienten dar, sofern sie geeignete Kandidaten für eine Operation sind, und sie weist die höchste Heilungsrate (> 90%) auf. Jedoch sind oft komplexe Rekonstruktionstechniken erforderlich, während die Erhaltung von Funktion und kosmetischem Erscheinungsbild nach wie vor ein relevantes Ziel der Behandlung ist.…”

“…Das Basalzellkarzinom (BCC) hat die höchste Inzidenz, gefolgt vom Plattenepithelkarzinom (SCC), von denen die meisten im Kopf‐ und Halsbereich lokalisiert sind 1 . Obwohl NMSC ein geringes Metastasierungspotenzial haben, können sie zu erheblicher lokaler Morbidität führen, wenn sie unbehandelt bleiben 2 . Die mikrografisch kontrollierte Chirurgie stellt den Goldstandard der Therapie für NMSC‐Patienten dar, sofern sie geeignete Kandidaten für eine Operation sind, und sie weist die höchste Heilungsrate (> 90%) auf.…”

Melanoma Management: From Epidemiology to Treatment and Latest Advances

“…In the United States of America, for example, the costs associated with melanoma represent about 40% of the annual budget allocated to skin cancer [14]. Contrarily, despite having 18-20 times higher incidence, non-melanoma skin cancers, whose principal forms are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), present slow growing and low tendency to metastasize and thus are rarely lethal [27][28][29][30].…”