Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Targeting specific molecular pathway inhibitors has provided a successful approach to the management of selected patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Clinical trials and case studies have provided a rationale for their use in clinical settings. OBJECTIVE:To review the current approaches to the use of targeted molecular inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. METHODS:Literature review of the current use of molecular inhibitors in the treatment of NMSCs, including case studies, reports, and clinical trials. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The development of molecular pathway inhibitors for the treatment of advanced and metastatic NMSC has increased survival rates and improved clinical outcomes in selected patients with advanced disease.

BACKGROUND:Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma are common malignancies in the US and may be associated with other types of cancer. OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:We sought to determine whether NMSC and melanoma are associated with extra-cutaneous cancers and identify modifiable risk factors for such an association. METHODS:We analysed data from 447,801 adult participants in the 1997-2011 National Health Interview Surveys. Survey logistic regression models were constructed that accounted for the complex sample weights. History of NMSC, melanoma and 27 primary extra-cutaneous cancers was assessed. RESULTS:NMSC was associated with increased odds of one (multinomial survey logistic regression, unadjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.43 [2.20-2.68]) or multiple (2.94 [2.21-3.92]) extra-cutaneous malignancies. Melanoma was also associated with increased odds of one (3.25 [2.70-3.90]) or multiple (6.11 [4.34-8.61]) extra-cutaneous malignancies. Extra-cutaneous cancers were more common in younger patients (ages 18-39 and 40-49 years) and Caucasians with NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). Smokers with a history of NMSC or melanoma had even higher odds of extra-cutaneous malignancy at ages 18-39 and 40-49 years compared to smokers without NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). History of NMSC was associated with higher odds of malignancies of the bladder, brain, breast, colon, oesophagus, kidney, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. Melanoma was associated with malignancies of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. The prevalence of extra-cutaneous cancers increased between 1997 and 2011 in all subjects (4.51% and 5.73%, P < 0.0001), with even higher rates of increase in those with history of NMSC or melanoma. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with history of NMSC and melanoma have increased odds of developing extra-cutaneous cancers, especially those with younger age and smoking history.

BACKGROUND:The external auditory canal (EAC) is an area commonly involved by skin cancers. Knowledge of the anatomy of this area and proper evaluation and management of patients with these malignancies is essential. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with an understanding of the anatomy of the EAC, the options available for the treatment of EAC cancers, and repair of the resulting surgical defects. METHODS AND MATERIALS/METHODS:A review of the current literature was performed to summarize the current literature on this topic. RESULTS:There are a variety of surgical options available for the treatment of these cancers whose use depends on the location and extent of the tumor. It is important to follow a logical reconstructive algorithm after tumor resection to optimize both functional and cosmetic results.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common non-melanoma skin cancers worldwide. While most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are easily managed, there is a high-risk subset of tumors that can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Tumor characteristics as well as patient characteristics contribute to the classification of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas as low-risk vs. high-risk. Advances in the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas largely relate to the management of this high-risk subset. Surgical and non-surgical management options, including newer targeted molecular therapies, will be discussed here. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to determine the exact significance of individual risk factors with respect to aggressive clinical behavior and the risks of metastasis and death, as well as the role of surgical and adjuvant therapies in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.