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Advances in Therapy Aug 2023The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) is increasing. CM is defined as melanoma in situ when limited within the epidermis and invasive when atypical melanocytes... (Review)
Review
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) is increasing. CM is defined as melanoma in situ when limited within the epidermis and invasive when atypical melanocytes progressively invade the dermis. Treatment of CM is challenging. On one hand, melanoma in situ does not require further treatment except for a limited secondary excision with reduced margins to minimize the risk of local recurrences; on the other, invasive melanoma requires a personalized approach based on tumor staging. Consequently, an association of surgical and medical treatments is often necessary for invasive forms of the disease. In this scenario, new knowledge on melanoma pathogenesis has led to the development of safe and effective treatments, and several drugs are currently under investigation. However, extensive knowledge is required to offer patients a tailored-tail approach. The aim of our article was to review current literature to provide an overview of treatment options for invasive melanoma, highlighting strategical approaches that can be used in patients with these forms of disease.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Neoplasm Staging; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37306810
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02555-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME), a member of the cancer/testis antigen family, is central to the field of skin cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.... (Review)
Review
Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME), a member of the cancer/testis antigen family, is central to the field of skin cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. As a nuclear receptor and transcriptional regulator, PRAME plays a critical role in inhibiting retinoic acid signalling, which is essential for cell differentiation and proliferation. Its aberrant overexpression in various malignancies, particularly cutaneous melanoma, is associated with more aggressive tumour phenotypes, positioning PRAME as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker. In melanoma, PRAME is typically highly expressed, in contrast to its weak or absent expression in benign nevi, thereby improving the accuracy of differential diagnoses. The diagnostic value of PRAME extends to various lesions. It is significantly expressed in uveal melanoma, correlating to an increased risk of metastasis. In acral melanomas, especially those with histopathological ambiguity, PRAME helps to improve diagnostic accuracy. However, its expression in spitzoid and ungual melanocytic lesions is inconsistent and requires a comprehensive approach for an accurate assessment. In soft tissue sarcomas, PRAME may be particularly helpful in differentiating melanoma from clear cell sarcoma, an important distinction due to their similar histological appearance but different treatment approaches and prognosis, or in detecting dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas. In non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, the variable expression of PRAME can lead to diagnostic complexity. Despite these challenges, the potential of PRAME as a therapeutic target in melanoma is significant. Emerging immunotherapies, including T-cell-based therapies and vaccines targeting PRAME, are being investigated to exploit its cancer-specific expression. Ongoing research into the molecular role and mechanism of action of PRAME in skin cancer continues to open new avenues in both diagnostics and therapeutics, with the potential to transform the management of melanoma and related skin cancers.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antigens, Neoplasm; Biomarkers, Tumor; Diagnosis, Differential; Melanocytes; Melanoma; Prognosis; Skin Neoplasms; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 38338862
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031582 -
JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Nov 2021Skin tumors are relatively uncommon malignancies worldwide, but its incidence has been progressively increased over the last few decades. Skin tumor belongs to a diverse...
INTRODUCTION
Skin tumors are relatively uncommon malignancies worldwide, but its incidence has been progressively increased over the last few decades. Skin tumor belongs to a diverse group of neoplasms arising from the epidermis, adnexal structures and dermis rendering the classification difficult. The study aims to find out the prevalence of benign skin neoplasm among the histopathological specimens of skin neoplasm of a teaching hospital.
METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study among the hospital records of histopathological samples of skin neoplasm in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care center from January 2017 to December 2020. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref: MEMG/IRC/427/GA). Convenient sampling was done. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated with frequency and descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
Out of total skin neoplasm samples, 121 (57.34%) (50.67-64.01 at 95% Confidence Interval) benign skin neoplasms were present. Among them, the majority were keratinocytic tumor 81 (66.9%) followed by skin appendageal 23 (19.0%) and melanocytic tumors 17 (14.0%). Acrochordan 18 (14.9%) and pilomatricoma 12 (9.9%) were the predominant keratinocytic and appendageal neoplasms respectively. Most of the cases occurred in head and neck region 64 (52.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
The study concluded that the prevalence of benign skin neoplasm was slightly lower compared to the other studies. Most of the benign skin neoplasms were keratinocytic tumors followed by appendageal and melanocytic tumors. Acrochordan was the commonest benign keratinocytic tumor.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Tertiary Care Centers
PubMed: 35199769
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.6086 -
Cells Oct 2021Different types of cells, such as endothelial cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, pericytes, and immune cells, release extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the tumor... (Review)
Review
Different types of cells, such as endothelial cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, pericytes, and immune cells, release extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the tumor microenvironment. The components of EVs include proteins, DNA, RNA, and microRNA. One of the most important functions of EVs is the transfer of aforementioned bioactive molecules, which in cancer cells may affect tumor growth, progression, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Furthermore, EVs affect the presentation of antigens to immune cells via the transfer of nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins to recipient cells. Recent studies have also explored the potential application of EVs in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which EVs regulate melanoma development, progression, and their potentials to be applied in therapy. We initially describe vesicle components; discuss their effects on proliferation, anti-melanoma immunity, and drug resistance; and finally focus on the effects of EV-derived microRNAs on melanoma pathobiology. This work aims to facilitate our understanding of the influence of EVs on melanoma biology and initiate ideas for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Animals; Disease Progression; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Extracellular Vesicles; Humans; Melanoma; Models, Biological; Skin Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 34685720
DOI: 10.3390/cells10102740 -
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2022Since its first introduction into medical practice, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of benign... (Review)
Review
Since its first introduction into medical practice, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of benign and malignant neoplasms of the skin. It has also been used as an adjunct for diagnosing equivocal cutaneous neoplasms that lack characteristic clinical or dermoscopic features. The use of RCM has led to a decreased number of biopsies of benign lesions. Multiple published studies show a strong correlation between RCM and histopathology thereby creating a bridge between clinical aspects, dermoscopy, and histopathology. Dermatopathologists may potentially play an important role in the interpretation of confocal images, by their ability to correlate histopathologic findings. RCM has also been shown to be an important adjunct to delineating tumoral margins during surgery, as well as for monitoring the non-surgical treatment of skin cancers. Advanced technology with smaller probes, such as the VivaScope 3000, has allowed access to lesions in previously inaccessible anatomic locations. This review explains the technical principles of RCM and describes the most common RCM features of normal skin with their corresponding histological correlation.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 36153173
DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.10.010 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Sep 2012Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and its incidence has increased in recent decades. Most cSCCs are successfully... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and its incidence has increased in recent decades. Most cSCCs are successfully treated by surgery, but local and distant metastases develop in approximately 5% of cases; this proportion is higher in certain forms of cSCC with high-risk factors, namely: tumor size >2cm, depth >2mm, Clark level ≥IV, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, poor differentiation, certain histologic subtypes (desmoplastic or adenosquamous carcinoma, invasive Bowen disease, or a cSCC arising in areas of chronic inflammation), immunosuppression, human papillomavirus infection, high-risk anatomic location (pinna of the ear, labial mucosa), expression of certain tumor genes, and inadequate tumor resection. The latest TNM (tumor, lymph node, metastasis) classification of cSCC published by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) in the seventh edition of its Cancer Staging Manual now incorporates several of these risk factors to improve disease staging. We review all the factors currently considered to be markers of poor prognosis in cSCC and analyze the new AJCC classification and the different treatment options for high-risk cSCC.
Topics: Alphapapillomavirus; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Genes, Neoplasm; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Mohs Surgery; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Papillomavirus Infections; Prognosis; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Risk; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Spain; Tumor Burden
PubMed: 22261673
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2011.09.005 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Sep 2011The increased incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma, together with only minor changes in mortality, has brought into question the existence of a melanoma epidemic.... (Review)
Review
The increased incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma, together with only minor changes in mortality, has brought into question the existence of a melanoma epidemic. The discrepancy between incidence and mortality suggests that most newly diagnosed melanomas have indolent behaviour. This review summarizes the most recent epidemiological findings regarding the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma, mortality, Breslow thickness and clinical stage. Studies published between 2005 and 2010 with more than 2,000 test subjects were included in this review. These studies all report an increase in incidence of melanoma during the last few decades, with by far the highest increase in tumours at a very early stage (T1 or IA). Little or no change was seen in mortality. However, increases in both mortality and incidence of thick melanomas were found in the oldest subgroups, especially in men. These findings indicate the existence of a certain degree of overdiagnosis of melanoma. They also indicate the existence of two different types of epidemic, for younger and older subgroups.
Topics: Age Factors; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Melanoma; Neoplasm Staging; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Time Factors
PubMed: 21874217
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1177 -
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology Feb 2023
Topics: Humans; Poroma; Dermoscopy; Skin Neoplasms; Sweat Gland Neoplasms; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 36412254
DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13957 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Jul 2023Non-melanoma skin cancer of the head and neck (NMSCHN) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and its incidence is growing at a significant rate. It has been... (Review)
Review
Non-melanoma skin cancer of the head and neck (NMSCHN) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and its incidence is growing at a significant rate. It has been found to be aggressive in its spread and has the capacity to metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has a considerably high mortality rate. It has remarkable characteristics: diameter >2 cm, depth >5 mm, high recurrence, perineural invasion, and locoregional metastases. Aggressive cSCC lesions most commonly metastasize to the parotid gland. Also, immunocompromised patients have a higher risk of developing this aggressive cancer along with the worst prognostic outcomes. It is very important to discuss and assess the risk factors, prognostic factors, and outcomes of patients with cSCC, which will give clinicians future directives for making modifications to their treatment plans. The successful treatment of aggressive cSCC of the head and neck includes early detection and diagnosis, surgery alone or adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy as required. Multimodal therapy options should be considered by clinicians for better outcomes of aggressive cSCC of the head and neck.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Skin Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging
PubMed: 37504347
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070487 -
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt... Jul 2009Malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm in the pediatric population, but its incidence has risen in recent years. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm in the pediatric population, but its incidence has risen in recent years.
METHODS
The literature was reviewed to define the current clinical and pathologic features of pediatric melanoma, highlighting the similarities and differences between adult and pediatric melanoma.
RESULTS
Distinctive features of this disease, including frequency and type of genetic abnormalities, predisposing conditions, clinical presentation, stage at diagnosis, prognostic features, and frequency of sentinel lymph node positivity are emphasized. Treatment strategies, extrapolated from adult melanoma trials, are also discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the differences between pediatric and adult melanoma, survival rates are similar and are improving in both populations. Further studies will help delineate the pathogenesis of both adult and pediatric melanoma, with the goal of contributing to early detection and improved survival.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Melanoma; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 19556962
DOI: 10.1177/107327480901600304