Metastasis Risk of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Organ Transplant Recipients and Immunocompetent Patients

THOC7-AS1/OCT1/FSTL1 axis promotes EMT and serves as a therapeutic target in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

THOC7-AS1 and FSTL1 expression are frequently upregulated in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, their molecular biological mechanisms remain elusive and their potential as therapeutic targets needs urgent exploration.

METHODS

Human tissue samples were used to evaluate clinical parameters. In vitro and in vivo experiments assessed biological functions. Quantitative PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, immunoprecipitation, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, silver staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase reporter assays etc. were utilized to explore the molecular biological mechanisms.

RESULTS

We found FSTL1 is an oncogene in cSCC, with high expression in tumor tissues and cells. Its elevated expression closely associates with tumor size and local tissue infiltration. In vitro and in vivo, high FSTL1 expression promotes cSCC proliferation, migration and invasion, facilitating malignant behaviors. Mechanistically, FSTL1 interacts with ZEB1 to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cSCC cells. Exploring upstream regulation, we found THOC7-AS1 can interact with OCT1, which binds the FSTL1 promoter region and promotes FSTL1 expression, facilitating cSCC progression. Finally, treating tumors with THOC7-AS1 antisense oligonucleotides inhibited cSCC proliferative and migratory abilities, delaying tumor progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The THOC7-AS1/OCT1/FSTL1 axis regulates EMT and promotes tumor progression in cSCC. This study provides clues and ideas for cSCC targeted therapy.

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastases in organ transplant recipients: The Skin Care in Organ Transplant Patients in Europe-International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative metastases study, a prospective multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are believed to have an increased risk of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), but reliable data are lacking regarding the precise incidence and associated risk factors.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, including 19 specialist dermatology outpatient clinics in 15 countries, patient and tumor characteristics were collected using standardized questionnaires when SOTRs presented with a new cSCC. After a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, relevant data for all SOTRs were collected. Cumulative incidence of metastases was calculated by the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Fine and Gray models were used to assess multiple risk factors for metastases.

RESULTS

Of 514 SOTRs who presented with 623 primary cSCCs, metastases developed in 37 with a 2-year patient-based cumulative incidence of 6.2%. Risk factors for metastases included location in the head and neck area, local recurrence, size > 2 cm, clinical ulceration, poor differentiation grade, perineural invasion, and deep invasion. A high-stage tumor that is also ulcerated showed the highest risk of metastasis, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 46.2% (31.9%-68.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

SOTRs have a high risk of cSCC metastases and well-established clinical and histologic risk factors have been confirmed. High-stage, ulcerated cSCCs have the highest risk of metastasis.

Prognostic Outcomes of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cutaneous neoplasm, and its incidence is on the rise. While most cSCCs have an excellent prognosis, certain risk factors, especially immunosuppression, have been associated with higher rates of local recurrence (LR), metastasis, and poor prognosis. This study aims to assess the risk factors for LR and metastasis development in cSCC among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and compare these rates with those in immunocompetent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study included cSCC cases from the University Hospital Reina Sofía in Córdoba, Spain, between 2002 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were collected. Local recurrence and metastasis rates were analyzed, along with progression-free survival. Univariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors in SOTRs.

RESULTS

Among 849 cSCC cases, we found higher rates of local recurrence and metastasis in tumors developed by SOTRs compared to those in immunocompetent individuals. However, no significant differences in local recurrence, metastasis, or progression-free survival were observed between the two groups. Risk factors for adverse outcomes in SOTRs included tumor size > 2 cm, depth > 4 mm, and a higher Clark level. A total of 34.4% of SOTRs developed a second primary cSCC during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, cSCCs in SOTRs did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the rates of adverse outcomes compared to immunocompetent patients. The prognosis of cSCCs in SOTRs may be more related to other tumor-dependent risk factors than to the immunosuppression status itself. Future studies are needed to refine risk stratification and follow-up protocols to ensure the optimal management of high-risk cSCC cases, particularly among immunosuppressed patients.

Venous Free Flap with Interposition Bypass Graft for Arteriovenous Fistula Preservation: A Case Report

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) overlying an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is rare and presents unique challenges. This case report describes a method of fistula preservation after CSCC excision using a flow-through venous free flap. The saphenous vein of the venous flap was used as flow-through segment for AVF preservation. The flap was inserted along the dorsal aspect of the forearm wound and microvascular anastomosis of the arterial inflow was completed using a vein just proximal to the radiocephalic fistula anastomosis. Venous outflow was established by creating an end-to-end vascular anastomosis between the cephalic vein and the greater saphenous vein. A separate subcutaneous vein was used to provide a low-pressure outflow for the flap to avoid congestion. This case demonstrates an option for AVF preservation that has not been previously described. It also highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the safe treatment of CSCCs overlying AVFs.

PD-1 Inhibitors in Elderly and Immunocompromised Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, with aging and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays being the main causes of the disease. Cemiplimab and pembrolizumab recently gained regulatory approval for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cSCC-conditions that are not treatable by surgical resection and/or radiotherapy. Although the results from the clinical trials have been promising, these studies have not included immunosuppressed, elderly patients. In this study, we included all immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients over the age of 75 years diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC and treated with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab. The median duration of follow-up from cSCC diagnosis was 35.6 months, 82.9% of patients were male, and the median age was 83 years old. The median progression-free survival was 8.94 months. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 85.6%, the majority of which were grades 1 or 2. The disease control rate was 91.4%, the complete response rate was 17.1%, the partial response rate was 51.4%, the stable disease rate was 23%, and the progressive disease rate was 8.7%. Based on this study, cemiplimab and pembrolizumab for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC in elderly, immunocompromised patients are efficacious, with acceptable safety profiles.

HLA expression as a risk factor for metastases of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma in organ- transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Solid organ-transplant recipients (SOTR) have an increased risk of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), metastasis and death from cSCC. In immunocompetent patients with mucosal SCC, downregulation of HLA class I is associated with poor prognosis. Since the degree of HLA expression on tumor cells could play a role in immunogenicity and pathophysiology of cSCC metastasis, we hypothesized that decreased HLA expression is associated with an increased risk of metastasis.

METHODS

We compared HLA expression between primary metastasized cSCCs, their metastases, and non-metastasized cSCCs from the same patients. Samples were stained for HLA-A, HLA-B/-C and quantified by calculating the difference in immunoreactivity score (IRS) of the primary cSCC compared with all non-metastasized cSCCs.

RESULTS

The mean IRS score for HLA-B/C expression was 2.07 point higher in metastasized compared to non-metastasized cSCCs (p = 0.065, 95 % CI -0.18-4.32). 83.3 % of the primary metastasized cSCCs had an IRS score of 4 or higher, compared to 42.9 % in non-metastasized cSCCs. Moderately to poorly differentiated cSCCs had more HLA class I expression compared to well-differentiated cSCCs.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to immunocompetent patients, HLA-B/C expression tends to be upregulated in metastasized cSCC compared to non-metastasized cSCC in SOTR, suggesting that different tumor escape mechanisms play a role in SOTR compared to immunocompetent patients.

First-line programmed death-1 inhibitor treatment for locoregionally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma - A real-world experience from Israel

Objective

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide. It is usually treated surgically, with very high cure rates. However, in 3%-7% of cases, cSCC metastasizes to lymph nodes or distant organs. Many of the affected patients are elderly with comorbidities who are not candidates for standard-of-care curative-intent treatment with surgery and/or radio-/chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which target programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathways, have recently emerged as a potent therapeutic option. The present report presents the Israeli experience with PD-1 inhibitors for the treatment of loco-regionally advanced or metastatic cSCC in a diverse and elderly population, with or without the addition of radiotherapy.

Material and methods

The databases of two university medical centers were retrospectively searched for patients with cSCC treated with the PD-1 inhibitors cemiplimab or pembrolizumab between January 2019 and May 2022. Data on baseline, disease-related, treatment-related, and outcome parameters were collected and analyzed.

Results

The cohort included 102 patients of a median age 78.5 years. Evaluable response data were available for 93. The overall response rate was 80.6%: complete response in 42 patients (45.2%) and partial response in 33 (35.5%). Stable disease was recorded in 7 (7.5%) and progressive disease in 11 (11.8%). Median progression-free survival was 29.5 months. Radiotherapy was administered to the target lesion during PD-1 treatment in 22.5% of patients. mPFS was not significantly different in patients who treated with RT than patients how did not (NR vs 18.4 months, HR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.39 - 2.17, p<0.859). Any-grade toxicity was recorded in 57 patients (55%), including grade ‗3 in 25, of whom 5 (5% of cohort) died. Compared to toxicity-free patients, patients with drug toxicity had better progression-free survival (18.4 months vs not reached, HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.82, p=0.012) and higher overall response rate (87% vs 71.8%, p=0.06).

Conclusion

This retrospective real-world study showed that PD-1 inhibitors were effective in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cSCC and appeared to be amenable for use in elderly or fragile patients with comorbidities. However, the high toxicity warrants consideration against other modalities. Induction or consolidation radiotherapy may improve the results. These findings need to be corroborated in a prospective trial.

Association of Patient Risk Factors, Tumor Characteristics, and Treatment Modality With Poor Outcomes in Primary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually curable; however, a subset of patients develops poor outcomes, including local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and disease-specific death.

Objectives

To evaluate all evidence-based reports of patient risk factors and tumor characteristics associated with poor outcomes in primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and to identify treatment modalities that minimize poor outcomes.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies of the topic in humans, published in the English language, from database inception through February 8, 2022.

Study Selection

Two authors independently screened the identified articles and included those that were original research with a sample size of 10 patients or more and that assessed risk factors and/or treatment modalities associated with poor outcomes among patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was performed by a single author, per international guidelines. The search terms, study objectives, and protocol methods were defined before study initiation. A total of 310 studies were included for full-text assessment. Owing to heterogeneity of the included studies, a random-effects model was used. Data analyses were performed from May 25 to September 15, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For studies of risk factors, risk ratios and incidence proportions; and for treatment studies, incidence proportions.

Results

In all, 129 studies and a total of 137 449 patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and 126 553 tumors were included in the meta-analysis. Several patient risk factors and tumor characteristics were associated with local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, disease-specific death, and all-cause death were identified. Among all factors reported by more than 1 study, the highest risks for local recurrence and disease-specific death were associated with tumor invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (risk ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 2.8-29.2] and 10.4 [95% CI, 3.0- 36.3], respectively), and the highest risk of any metastasis was associated with perineural invasion (risk ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.3-11.1). Patients who received Mohs micrographic surgery had the lowest incidence of nearly all poor outcomes; however, in some results, the 95% CIs overlapped with those of other treatment modalities.

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis identified the prognostic value of several risk factors and the effectiveness of the available treatment modalities. These findings carry important implications for the prognostication, workup, treatment, and follow-up of patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022311250.

From Bowen disease to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: eight markers were verified from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Background

Bowen's disease is a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in situ. If left untreated, BD may progress to invasive CSCC. CSCC is one of the most common cutaneous carcinoma in the elderly and the advanced, metastasis CSCC usually have a poor outcomes. However, the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis from Bowen’s disease to CSCC is complicated and still unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the biomarkers and molecular alterations in Bowen’s disease development process via analyzing the proteomics changes in tissues of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin.

Methods

A total of 7 individuals with CSCC (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation), 7 individuals with Bowen disease (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) and 7 healthy controls (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) presented to the Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2021 and December 2021 were enrolled. The proteomics analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed proteins/gens (DEPs/DEGs) in the lesions of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues. The transcriptomic data (GSE32628) of CSCC was selected and downloaded from the GEO database. The common DEGs in our proteomics results and GSE32628 between CSCC and healthy skin tissues were selected. And then, the common DEGs which significantly up or down-regulated between CSCC and Bowen disease in our proteomics results were further screened to identify using Western blot methods in the validation group. CSCC A431 cells were transfected with SERPINB1 small interfering RNA (si-SERPINB1) or small interfering RNA negative control (si-NC). To explore the effect of SERPINB1 silencing on migration and invasion ability of A431 cells.

Results

A total of 501 proteins were differentially expressed between the CSCC and healthy skin tissues, with 332 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated at least 1.5-fold with a P value < 0.05. These DEPs involved multiple biological functions such as protein binding process, immune, inflammation, ribosome, protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and others. A total of 20 common DEGs (COL3A1, LUM, TNC, COL1A1, ALDH3A2, FSCN1, SERPINB4, SERPINB1, CD36, COL4A1, CSTB, GPX3, S100A7, ACTN1, SERPINB3, S100A8, RAB31, STAT1, SPRR1B, S100A9) between CSCC and healthy skin tissues in GSE32628 and our proteomics results were found. Besides, the proteins of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in CSCC were significantly up-regulated, while COL3A1, COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly down-regulated relative to Bowen disease in proteomics results. These proteins were mainly involved in multiple pathways, including Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Human papillomavirus infection, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway and others. These eight proteins were selected for further validation. According to the Western blotting analysis, when compared with the Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues, we found that the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in the CSCC were significantly increased, while COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1 in the Bowen disease were also significantly increased, while the COL3A1 were also significantly decreased relative to the healthy control. SERPINB1 siRNA inhibited the expression of SERPINB1 at mRNA and protein levels in the A431 cells. After interfering with the expression of SERPINB1, the migration and invasion ability in the A431 cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study highlights that eight proteins, TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1, RAB31, COL3A1, COL1A1, CD36, were significantly associated with the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis in Bowen’s disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03622-1.

Update of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rapidly increasing. A growing part of this patient group is formed by immunocompromised patients, for example organ-transplant recipients (OTR). Although over 90% of the cSCC show a relatively harmless clinical behaviour, there is also a chance of developing advanced cSCC and metastases. Locally advanced cSCC are defined as cSCC that have locally advanced progression and are no longer amenable to surgery or radiation therapy. Better understanding of the clinical behaviour of cSCC is essential to discriminate between low- and high-risk cSCC. Staging systems are important and have recently been improved. Genetic characterisation of SCC will likely become an important tool to help distinguish low and high-risk cSCC with an increased potential to metastasise in the near future. Available treatments for high-risk and advanced cSCC include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy with epidermal growth factor receptors inhibitors. Anti-PD-1 antibodies show promising results with response rates of up to 50% in both locally advanced and metastatic cSCC but, in its present form, is not suitable for OTR.

Cumulative incidence and disease-specific survival of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cancer registry study

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents the most serious form of keratinocyte cancers because of its metastatic potential. Studies on nationwide incidence and disease-specific survival rates of metastatic cSCC (mcSCC) are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cumulative incidence and disease-specific survival of patients with mcSCC in the Dutch population and assess patient-based risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide cancer registry study including all patients with the first cSCC in 2007 or 2008, using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, the nationwide network and registry of histopathology and cytopathology, and Statistics Netherlands. Cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meier curves were calculated, and time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Of the 11,137 patients, metastases developed in 1.9% (n = 217). The median time to metastasis was 1.5 years (interquartile range 0.6-3.8 years). The risk factors were age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05), male sex (aHR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3), and immunosuppression (aHR [organ transplant recipient] 5.0, 95% CI 2.5-10.0; aHR [hematologic malignancy] 2.7, 95% CI 1.6-4.6). The 5-year disease-specific survival for patients with mcSCC was 79.1%.

LIMITATIONS

Only histopathologically confirmed mcSCCs were included.

CONCLUSION

About 2% of cSCCs metastasize, with higher risk for men, increasing age, and immunocompromised patients. Disease-specific survival for patients with mcSCC is high.

Keratinocyte Cancer Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing and dying from keratinocyte cancer. Risk factors for keratinocyte cancer death have not been previously described.

METHODS

In a cohort of kidney transplant recipients transplanted in Queensland 1995-2014, we identified keratinocyte cancer deaths by searching national transplant and state death registries to March 2020. Standardized keratinocyte cancer mortality rates and mortality ratios were calculated. We used a competing risks model to identify factors associated with keratinocyte cancer death and calculated relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

There were 562 deaths in 1866 kidney transplant recipients (62% males; 86% Caucasian) with 25 934 person-years of follow-up, of which 36 were due to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 1 to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with standardized mortality rates of 78 (95% CI 53-111) and 2 (95% CI 0.1-11) per 100,000 person-years respectively. The standardized mortality ratio for keratinocyte cancer was 23 (95% CI 23-24). Besides Caucasian ethnicity (associated with 100% of keratinocyte cancer deaths), male sex (RR 3.24 95% CI 1.26-8.33), and older age at transplantation (≥ 50 versus <50 years RR 3.09 95% CI 1.38-6.89) were associated with increased risk of keratinocyte cancer death.

CONCLUSIONS

Keratinocyte cancer mortality in kidney transplant recipients is over 20 times higher than in the general population. Most keratinocyte cancer deaths are due to cutaneous SCC, however, BCC can be fatal. Education in skin cancer prevention is essential to avoid unnecessary deaths from keratinocyte cancer amongst kidney transplant recipients.

Identifying risk factors for the prognosis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In this study, we sought to identify the potential impacts of disease characteristics on the prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception until February 2020 to identify studies that investigated the prognosis of cSCC. The pooled effect estimates were applied using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were calculated using the random-effects model. Forty-three studies including a total of 21,530 patients and reporting 28,627 cases of cSCC were selected for the final meta-analysis. Poor differentiation (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 2.30–5.46; P < 0.001), perineural invasion (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.60–6.67; P = 0.001), Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 2.63–11.37; P < 0.001), diameter greater than 20 mm (OR, 4.62; 95% CI, 2.95–7.23; P < 0.001), and location on temple (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.12–9.15; P = 0.030) were associated with an increased risk of recurrence, whereas immunosuppression status and location on cheek, ear, or lip were not associated with the risk of recurrence. Poor differentiation (OR, 6.82; 95% CI, 4.66–9.99; P < 0.001); perineural invasion (OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 4.73–10.83; P < 0.001); Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 6.11; 95% CI, 4.05–9.21; P < 0.001); diameter greater than 20 mm (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.56–9.80; P < 0.001); and location on ear (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.39–4.09; P = 0.002), lip (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.26–3.68; P = 0.005), and temple (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.20–6.40; P = 0.017) were associated with an increased risk of metastasis, whereas immunosuppression status and location on cheek did not affect the risk of metastasis. Finally, poor differentiation (OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.82–19.62; P = 0.003), perineural invasion (OR, 6.64; 95% CI, 3.63–12.12; P < 0.001), and Breslow greater than 2 mm (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.76–6.66; P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of disease-specific death, whereas diameter; immunosuppression status; and location on ear, lip, and temple did not affect the risk of disease-specific death. We found that differentiation, perineural invasion, depth, diameter, and location could affect the prognosis of cSCC. The potential role of other patient characteristics on the prognosis of cSCC should be identified in further large-scale prospective studies.

Metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients and the immunocompetent population: is there a difference? a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have a higher risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) compared to the immunocompetent population. Immunosuppression is often stated as a risk factor for metastasis. However, evidence for this is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cSCC metastasis risk in OTR and the immunocompetent population by systematically reviewing the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed up to January 2018 using: Medline; Embase; Web of Science and ISI Science Citation Index. Studies assessing cSCC metastasis risk in ORT or immunocompetent cohorts were considered. A pooled risk estimate for metastasis was calculated for the immunocompetent population and OTR separately.

RESULTS

The pooled metastasis risk estimate for OTR was, respectively, 7.3% (95% CI 6.2-8.4) for cSCC on total body, and 11.0% (95% CI 7.7-14.8) for cSCC of the head neck area. For the immunocompetent population reported risk estimate analysis showed a pooled metastatic risk of 3.1% (95% CI 2.8-3.4) in total body cSCC and of 8.5% (95% CI 7.3-9.8) in cSCC of the head and neck area. Pooled risk estimate per single cSCC in OTR was 1.3% (95% CI 1.0-1.7) in total body cSCC and 4.0% (95% CI 2.7-5.5) in cSCC of the head and neck area. In the immunocompetent population, these pooled risk estimates were, respectively, 2.4% (95% CI 2.1-2.6) and 6.7% (95% CI 5.7-7.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Organ transplant recipients show a higher overall risk of cSCC metastasis compared to the immunocompetent population. Metastasis risks per single cSCC were substantially lower in both groups. However, due to heterogeneity and differences between studies, comparisons are difficult. Comprehensive follow-up studies with defined cohorts are necessary to adequately asses the risk for cSCC metastasis.

Behavioral and demographic factors associated with occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer in organ transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common epithelial malignancies in organ transplantation recipients (OTRs). In Italy, incidence rates of post-transplantation NMSC are approximately 5% after 5 years and 10% after 10 years since organ transplantation. The objective was to describe risk factors associated with NMSC in a cohort of renal and liver transplant recipients, in a single-center longitudinal study.

METHODS

Renal and liver transplant patients, who underwent transplantation between June 1985 and December 2015, were visited for the first time or followed-up in a dedicated outpatient clinic every six months until July 2016.

RESULTS

We included 356 renal and 76 liver transplant patients. 108 OTRs (25.6%) presented 299 NMSC. 74 patients developed actinic keratosis (17.1%), 36 patients squamous cell carcinoma (8.5%), and 52 patients basal cell carcinoma (12.3%). Time from transplantation and kidney transplant were the main risk factors for NMSC. Higher incidences of all NMSC were observed in patients >60 years, males and smokers, while decreased incidences were detected in individuals with higher educational levels. Multiple logistic regression models confirmed that male gender (RR 3.3, P=0.001), cigarette smoking (RR 2.0, P=0.026), light eye color (RR 2.9, P=0.001) and family history of cancer (RR 1.8, P=0.042) were independently associated with NMSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermatological follow-up is important in OTRs, due to the higher risk of tumors and mainly NMSC. Clinical and environmental factors, including cigarette smoking, are useful in characterizing OTR with higher risk of NMSC.