NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Squamous Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2022.

The NCCN Guidelines for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer provide recommendations for diagnostic workup, clinical stage, and treatment options for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The NCCN panel meets annually to discuss updates to the guidelines based on comments from panel members and the Institutional Review, as well as submissions from within NCCN and external organizations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the introduction of a new surgical recommendation terminology (peripheral and deep en face margin assessment), as well as recent updates on topical prophylaxis, immunotherapy for regional and metastatic disease, and radiation therapy.

Impact of second-opinion dermatopathology reviews on surgical management of malignant neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Second-opinion review is linked to error reduction and treatment changes in anatomic pathology. OBJECTIVE: We sought to establish the rate of diagnostic discrepancy identified by second-opinion dermatopathologic review and the effect on surgical treatment. METHODS: Cases referred for treatment of a malignant neoplasm diagnosed by an outside pathologist were reviewed. The external and internal second-opinion dermatopathologic reports were compared. Discordance in diagnosis, subtype, and treatment change owing to second-opinion review was recorded. The referring pathologist's level of dermatopathologic training was also documented. RESULTS: A total of 358 cases were included. Dermatopathologic second-opinion diagnosis was discordant with the outside diagnosis in 37 of 358 cases (10.3%). In 32 of 358 cases (8.9%), second-opinion review resulted in a change in treatment, with 28 of 32 (87.5%) of these changes resulting in cancelled surgery. Dermatologists without dermatopathologic fellowship training had the highest rate of discordant diagnoses compared with pathologists and dermatopathologists. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study at a tertiary care facility. CONCLUSION: Second-opinion dermatopathologic review is associated with identification of discordant diagnoses and a substantial influence on treatment, with both cancellation of surgery and augmented management. Secondary pathologic review should be considered in high-volume surgical practices.

The utility of PRAME staining in identifying malignant transformation of melanocytic nevi.

BACKGROUND: PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining is used to aid melanoma diagnosis. PRAME expression in nevus-associated melanoma (NAM) has not been evaluated. METHODS: PRAME IHC was applied to cases of NAM; staining for each population of melanocytes (benign and malignant) was graded based on the percentage of labeled cells. No labeling was graded 0, 1% to 25% labeling was 1+, 26% to 50% was 2+, 51% to 75% was 3+, and >76% was 4+. RESULTS: Thirty-six cases were reviewed. Sixty-seven percent (24/36) of melanomas were PRAME positive (4+) while no (0/36) nevi showed 4+ positivity. Eighty-one percent (29/36) of nevi were completely PRAME negative compared to 17% (6/36) of melanomas. In 67% of cases (24/36) PRAME differentiated between benign and malignant melanocyte populations. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high rate (67%) of differential PRAME staining in adjacent benign and malignant melanocyte populations in NAM. In PRAME positive (4+) melanomas, PRAME differentiates 100% (24/24) of benign and malignant melanocyte populations. When 4+ staining is used as the threshold for positivity, PRAME staining has a sensitivity of 67% (24/36) and a specificity of 100% (36/36). These results support PRAME IHC can assist in distinguishing melanocyte populations in melanoma arising within nevi.

Validation of the English Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Quality of Life (BaSQoL) Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) impact patient quality of life (QoL). There is a need for validated QoL instruments specific to KC. The Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma QoL (BaSQoL) questionnaire was developed to comprehensively measure issues of importance to patients with KC. OBJECTIVE: To validate and characterize the BaSQoL questionnaire for QoL measurement after diagnosis and treatment of KC. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study. Patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were asked to fill out BaSQoL, Skin Cancer Index (SCI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and classical test theory were used to assess validity. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven subjects enrolled in this study: 122 with BCC and 65 with SCC. One hundred seventy-one subjects (91.4%) completed questionnaires at all 3 time points; 16 patients (8.6%) were lost to follow-up. Overall performance using classical test theory was good, with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.63-0.80). BaSQoL subscales were strongly correlated with subscales of the SCI, demonstrating convergent validity, and weakly correlated with HADS, showing divergent validity. CONCLUSION: The English language version of BaSQoL has good face, content, and construct validity. This study validates BaSQoL for use in English-speaking patients with BCC and SCC.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Version 1.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) focuses on areas impacted by recently emerging data, including sections describing MCC risk factors, diagnosis, workup, follow-up, and management of advanced disease with radiation and systemic therapy. Included in these sections are discussion of the new recommendations for use of Merkel cell polyomavirus as a biomarker and new recommendations for use of checkpoint immunotherapies to treat metastatic or unresectable disease. The next update of the complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for MCC will include more detailed information about elements of pathology and addresses additional aspects of management of MCC, including surgical management of the primary tumor and draining nodal basin, radiation therapy as primary treatment, and management of recurrence.

Biochemistry, Physiology, and Tissue Interactions of Contemporary Biodegradable Injectable Dermal Fillers.

BACKGROUND: Injectable dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular for soft tissue augmentation and rejuvenation. Most contemporary biodegradable products are derived from hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. Achievement of desired cosmetic outcomes is largely dependent on selection of the optimal injectable product based on the chemical composition, the physiologic interactions with surrounding tissue, product longevity, and a thorough understanding of potential adverse reactions. OBJECTIVE: To review and describe the biochemistry, physiology, and tissue interactions of the most commonly used contemporary biodegradable dermal fillers. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature was performed with additional review of pertinent clinical cases and corresponding histopathology. RESULTS: This article provides a comprehensive review of the biochemistry, physiology, and potential tissue interactions of the most commonly used biodegradable dermal fillers. The underlying biochemical properties of each product and how they contribute to specific physiologic and adverse tissue reactions is described. CONCLUSION: Understanding of the innate differences in the physical properties, and physiologic responses to soft tissue fillers allows clinicians to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes with fewer adverse events.

Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2016, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common cancer, with a higher incidence than all other malignancies combined. Although it is rare to metastasize, patients with multiple or frequently recurring BCC can suffer substantial comorbidity and be difficult to manage. Assessment of risk is a key element of management needed to inform treatment selection. The overall management of BCC primarily consists of surgical approaches, with radiation therapy as an alternate or adjuvant option. Many superficial therapies for BCC have been explored and continue to be developed, including topicals, cryosurgery, and photodynamic therapy. Two hedgehog pathway inhibitors were recently approved by the FDA for systemic treatment of advanced and metastatic BCC, and others are in development. The NCCN Guidelines for Basal Cell Skin Cancer, published in full herein, include recommendations for selecting among the various surgical approaches based on patient-, lesion-, and disease-specific factors, as well as guidance on when to use radiation therapy, superficial therapies, and hedgehog pathway inhibitors.

Merkel cell carcinoma, version 1.2014.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cutaneous tumor that combines the local recurrence rates of infiltrative nonmelanoma skin cancer with the regional and distant metastatic rates of thick melanoma. The NCCN Guidelines for Merkel Cell Carcinoma provide recommendations on the diagnosis and management of this aggressive disease based on clinical evidence and expert consensus. This version includes revisions regarding the use of PET/CT imaging and the addition of a new section on the principles of pathology to provide guidance on the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of pathology results.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, version 1.2014.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon soft tissue tumor characterized by a relatively high risk of local recurrence and low risk of metastasis. The NCCN Guidelines for DFSP provide multidisciplinary recommendations on the management of patients with this rare disease. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight the addition of the Principles of Pathology section, which provides recommendations on the pathologic assessment of DFSP. Because DFSP can mimic other lesions, immunohistochemical studies are often required to establish diagnosis. Cytogenetic testing for the characteristic translocation t(17;22)(q22;q13) can also be valuable in the differential diagnosis of DFSP with other histologically similar tumors.

A single-cell atlas of IL-23 inhibition in cutaneous psoriasis distinguishes clinical response.

Psoriasis vulgaris and other chronic inflammatory diseases improve markedly with therapeutic blockade of interleukin-23 (IL-23) signaling, but the genetic mechanisms underlying clinical responses remain poorly understood. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we profiled immune cells isolated from lesional psoriatic skin before and during IL-23 blockade. In clinically responsive patients, a psoriatic transcriptional signature in skin-resident memory T cells was strongly attenuated. In contrast, poorly responsive patients were distinguished by persistent activation of IL-17-producing T (T17) cells, a mechanism distinct from alternative cytokine signaling or resistance isolated to epidermal keratinocytes. Even in IL-23 blockade-responsive patients, we detected a recurring set of recalcitrant, disease-specific transcriptional abnormalities. This irreversible immunological state may necessitate ongoing IL-23 inhibition. Spatial transcriptomic analyses also suggested that successful IL-23 blockade requires dampening of >90% of IL-17-induced response in lymphocyte-adjacent keratinocytes, an unexpectedly high threshold. Collectively, our data establish a patient-level paradigm for dissecting responses to immunomodulatory treatments.

Long-Term Appearance-Related Outcomes of Facial Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Resection.

Background: Aesthetic outcomes of facial reconstruction after skin cancer resection (RSCR) may affect long-term quality of life. Objective: To evaluate postoperative patient perceptions of skin cancer defect reconstruction using patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: Patients who underwent RSCR from 2016 to 2021 completed validated FACE-Q scales, including Satisfaction with Facial Appearance (SFA), Scar Appearance, and Appearance-Related Distress (ARD). Scores were scaled 0-100 and compared. Results: Sixty-one respondents completed the survey at a median of 3.0 (interquartile range: 1.6-4.1) years post-treatment. The majority had basal cell carcinomas (n = 41, 67%) and nasal defects (n = 40, 66%). Patients who received either revision surgery or office-based procedures to improve scarring reported lower satisfaction with scar appearance (65.8 ± 31.8 vs. 80.1 ± 20.8, p = 0.048). Dissatisfaction with scar appearance was correlated with decreased SFA (mean score: 76.6 ± 24.5; r = 0.44, p = 0.0004) and greater ARD (mean score: 23.8 ± 24.3; r = -0.66, p < 0.0001). Younger patients were also more likely to experience ARD (ß = -0.54, 95% confidence interval: [-0.96, -0.12, p = 0.014). SFA and ARD did not differ by operative factors, including reconstruction type, or single- versus multistage reconstruction. Conclusion: Although overall SFA after RSCR is high, regardless of reconstruction type, decreased satisfaction is correlated to poorer psychosocial function. Younger patients and those requiring revision procedures may be at greatest risk.

Skin Color Match in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To quantify the degree of color match achieved during microvascular facial reconstruction, and to describe a novel technique for improving reconstructive skin color match. We hypothesize that split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) placed atop de-epithelialized free tissue produces better facial skin color match than free tissue with intact epithelium. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional photographic study of reconstructed facial skin color match. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults, who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery, were divided into six categories based on cutaneous reconstructive technique: cervicofacial flap, radial forearm free flap (RFFF), fibula free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap (ALT), STSG over adiopofascial flap (STAFF), and STSG over myogenous flap (STMF). Averaged color samplings of the reconstructed defect and adjacent normal skin were taken from digital photographs. The color difference was calculated using the delta-E calculation. Blinded expert observers also rated the degree of color match. Nonparametric cohort contrast and correlation statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean delta-E's and 10-point Likert ratings for the ALT, fibula, RFFF, STAFF, STMF, and cervicofacial flaps were 11.6, 10.0, 7.7, 6.3, 8.8, and 4.7, and 5.1, 6.4, 2.4, 3.2, 2.7, and 1.1, respectively. Likert scale inter-rater correlation was strong, with coefficient = 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: On average, STSG over de-epithelialized myogenous and adipofascial free tissue transfers produced a better color match than the skin paddles of donor sites, with the exception of the radial forearm donor site. Delta-E values obtained from photos correlated well with expert ratings of color match. This reliable technique for quantifying color match may be used in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1753-1759, 2022.

Classification of human chronic inflammatory skin disease based on single-cell immune profiling.

Inflammatory conditions represent the largest class of chronic skin disease, but the molecular dysregulation underlying many individual cases remains unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has increased precision in dissecting the complex mixture of immune and stromal cell perturbations in inflammatory skin disease states. We single-cell-profiled CD45+ immune cell transcriptomes from skin samples of 31 patients (7 atopic dermatitis, 8 psoriasis vulgaris, 2 lichen planus (LP), 1 bullous pemphigoid (BP), 6 clinical/histopathologically indeterminate rashes, and 7 healthy controls). Our data revealed active proliferative expansion of the Treg and Trm components and universal T cell exhaustion in human rashes, with a relative attenuation of antigen-presenting cells. Skin-resident memory T cells showed the greatest transcriptional dysregulation in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, whereas atopic dermatitis also demonstrated recurrent abnormalities in ILC and CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes. Transcript signatures differentiating these rash types included genes previously implicated in T helper cell (TH2)/TH17 diatheses, segregated in unbiased functional networks, and accurately identified disease class in untrained validation data sets. These gene signatures were able to classify clinicopathologically ambiguous rashes with diagnoses consistent with therapeutic response. Thus, we have defined major classes of human inflammatory skin disease at the molecular level and described a quantitative method to classify indeterminate instances of pathologic inflammation. To make this approach accessible to the scientific community, we created a proof-of-principle web interface (RashX), where scientists and clinicians can visualize their patient-level rash scRNA-seq-derived data in the context of our TH2/TH17 transcriptional framework.

Sclerosing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, an underemphasized locally aggressive variant: a 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic (sclerosing) responses to a variety of neoplasms have been documented but rarely evaluated in association with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We report a distinctive variant of SCC demonstrating an infiltrative growth pattern and stromal desmoplasia. METHODS: Cases were identified through a retrospective review of our dermatopathology and dermatologic surgery databases. After initiation of the study, additional cases were identified prospectively. Neoplasms were scored microscopically for specific histopathologic parameters and reactivity with selected histochemical and immunohistochemical stains. Clinical follow-up data were obtained through a review of medical records or contact with the patient's referring physicians. RESULTS: Seventy-three carcinomas from 72 patients were identified (46 men, 26 women; median age 76, range 45-91). The original pretreatment biopsies were available in 69 of 73 cases. All lesions developed on sun-damaged skin, with the cheek constituting the most common site. The clinical presentation was typically as a sclerotic plaque. All neoplasms extended into the reticular dermis or subcutaneous fat, and perineural invasion was identified in 53 cases (73%). Patients who underwent standard excisional surgery experienced a recurrence rate of 80%; 9% of those treated with micrographic surgery experienced postoperative recurrences. Metastasis or carcinoma-related death was not observed in any patient during the follow-up period (median 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that desmoplasia is uncommonly found in association with cutaneous SCC but helps define a locally aggressive variant of carcinoma. In light of the infiltrative nature of desmoplastic SCC of the skin and the high incidence of perineural invasion, micrographic surgery is the surgical modality of choice.

Hyperthermic injury to adipocyte cells by selective heating of subcutaneous fat with a novel radiofrequency device: feasibility studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing a novel non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) device to induce lethal thermal damage to subcutaneous adipose tissue only by establishing a controlled electric field that heats up fat preferentially. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adipocyte cells in six-well plates were subjected to hyperthermic conditions: 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 degrees C during 1, 2, and 3 minutes. Cell viability was assessed 72 hours after exposure. Two groups of abdominoplasty patients were treated with the RF device during and days before their surgical procedure. Temperatures of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues were measured during treatment (3 minutes) of the first group. The immediate tissue response to heating was assessed by acute histology. The delayed tissue response was assessed by histology analysis of the second group, 4, 9, 10, 17, and 24 days after treatment (22 minutes). A mathematical model was used to estimate treatment temperatures of the second group. The model uses patient-based diagnostic measurements as input and was validated with in vivo clinical temperature measurements. RESULTS: Cell viability dropped from 89% to 20% when temperature increased from 45 to 50 degrees C during 1 minute exposures. Three minutes at 45 degrees C resulted in 40% viability. In vivo, the temperature of adipose tissue at 7-12 mm depth from the surface increased to 50 degrees C while the temperature of cutaneous tissues was <30 degrees C during RF exposure. Acute and longitudinal histology evaluations show normal epidermal and dermal layers. Subcutaneous tissues were also normal acutely. Subcutaneous vascular alterations, starting at day 4, and fat necrosis, starting at day 9, were consistently observed within 4.5-19 mm depth from the skin surface. Subcutaneous tissue temperatures were estimated to be 43-45 degrees C for 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: A controlled internal electric field perpendicular to the skin-fat interface is selective in heating up fat and, consequently, has the ability to induce lethal thermal damage to subcutaneous adipose tissues while sparing overlying and underlying tissues. In vitro adipocyte cells are heat sensitive to thermal exposures of 50 and 45 degrees C on the order of minutes, 1 and 3 minutes, respectively. In vivo, 15 minutes thermal exposures to 43-45 degrees C result in a delayed adipocyte cellular death response-in this study, 9 days. The novel RF device presented herein effectively delivers therapeutic thermal exposures to subcutaneous adipose tissues while protecting epidermal and dermal layers.

Effect of Topical Brimonidine on Alcohol-Induced Flushing in Asian Individuals: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Alcohol flushing syndrome (AFS, also known as Asian glow and Asian flush) affects 20% to 47% of East Asians and causes significant psychosocial distress. There are no approved treatments for this condition. Objective: To determine whether brimonidine gel, 0.33%, decreases facial erythema in patients with AFS after consumption of alcohol. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this randomized clinical trial, 20 healthy volunteers of East Asian descent with a self-reported history of AFS were recruited between April 2018 and March 2019. Interventions: Participants were randomized to application of brimonidine gel to either the left or right half of their face. Placebo control was applied to the opposite side. After 30 minutes, participants ingested alcohol. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes were specified before data collection. The difference in erythema between the treated and placebo side of each participant's face was measured 60 minutes after drug application (primary outcome) and at 90 and 120 minutes after drug application (secondary outcomes). Participants were asked to rate their likelihood of using the medication again and their likelihood of recommending the medication to a friend on a scale of 0 to 10. Results: The mean (SD) age of the 20 individuals enrolled in the study was 30.5 (8.4) years, and there were 10 women (50%). There was a significant difference in erythema at 60 minutes after drug application as measured by the difference in Clinician Erythema Assessment score (2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-2.71; P < .001) and by the difference in Subject Self-Assessment score (1.7; 95% CI, 1.1- 2.3; P < .001). This effect persisted at 90 and 120 minutes. Individuals were likely to use the medication again (7.2; 95% CI, 6.0-8.3) and would also recommend it to a friend (7.6; 95% CI, 6.5-8.6). Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates that brimonidine gel is effective in reducing the facial erythema of AFS. Patients with psychosocial distress due to AFS may benefit from treatment with brimonidine. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03497442.

Transcriptional Programming of Normal and Inflamed Human Epidermis at Single-Cell Resolution.

Perturbations in the transcriptional programs specifying epidermal differentiation cause diverse skin pathologies ranging from impaired barrier function to inflammatory skin disease. However, the global scope and organization of this complex cellular program remain undefined. Here we report single-cell RNA sequencing profiles of 92,889 human epidermal cells from 9 normal and 3 inflamed skin samples. Transcriptomics-derived keratinocyte subpopulations reflect classic epidermal strata but also sharply compartmentalize epithelial functions such as cell-cell communication, inflammation, and WNT pathway modulation. In keratinocytes, ∼12% of assessed transcript expression varies in coordinate patterns, revealing undescribed gene expression programs governing epidermal homeostasis. We also identify molecular fingerprints of inflammatory skin states, including S100 activation in the interfollicular epidermis of normal scalp, enrichment of a CD1C+CD301A+ myeloid dendritic cell population in psoriatic epidermis, and IL1ßhiCCL3hiCD14+ monocyte-derived macrophages enriched in foreskin. This compendium of RNA profiles provides a critical step toward elucidating epidermal diseases of development, differentiation, and inflammation.

Radiation therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid area lymph nodes: dose and volume considerations.

PURPOSE: The intraparotid and periparotid lymph nodes are the most commonly involved when skin cancer of the head and neck metastasizes beyond the primary site. We sought to report the clinical outcome of patients treated with radiation therapy for parotid-area metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The records of 36 patients treated with radiation therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid-area lymph nodes were reviewed. All patients had clinically N0 necks and were without evidence of distant disease. Thirty patients (83%) were treated postoperatively after gross total tumor resection. Median dose to the parotid area was 60 Gy (range, 50-72 Gy). Treatment of clinically N0 necks consisted of surgical dissection (7 patients), irradiation (15 patients), and observation (14 patients). RESULTS: The 5-year estimate of local (parotid) control was 86% in patients treated using surgery with postoperative therapy and 47% in patients treated using radiation therapy alone. Three of 4 patients with tumors that relapsed locally after surgery and postoperative radiation received a dose of less than 60 Gy. Elective neck irradiation decreased the incidence of subsequent nodal failures from 50% to 0% and significantly improved neck control (p < 0.001). The 5-year overall survival rate was 63%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery followed by radiation therapy to doses of at least 60 Gy results in effective local control for patients with parotid area metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Routine irradiation of the clinically N0 neck is recommended.