Keratinocytic skin cancers-Update on the molecular biology.

ABSTRACT

Although much attention has been devoted to a detailed genomic exposition of cutaneous melanoma, other nonmelanoma skin cancers have also recently been subjected to similar analytical scrutiny. Chief among these are the most common malignancies worldwide basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. In this review, the authors summarize their latest knowledge about the molecular pathways and therapeutic opportunities attendant to these keratinocytic skin cancers. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The most common cancers in the United States arise from skin cells called keratinocytes. Although these tumors are not formally tracked by the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there are millions of skin cancers called basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. This article reviews the current recent genetic insights into these tumors and therapeutic opportunities.