SHARK PEDICLE ISLAND FLAP FOR BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE PERIALAR ZONE OF THE NOSE: PHOTOXICITY AND PHOTOCARCINOGENICITY MEDIATED BY POTENTIALLY NITROSAMINE CONTAMINATED DRUG INTAKE -A NEW EXPLANATION FOR THE SKIN CANCERS PATHOGENESIS?

Abstract

Modern skin cancer pathogenesis includes new concepts such as nitroso photocarcinogenesis and nitroso-mediated photosensitivity. The above 2 new concepts are in all likelihood also modeled/determined by photocarcinogens known as nitrosamines and/or NDSRIs available as contaminants in many drugs worldwide. The phototoxicity of nitrosamines is a known nonspecific property of them, for which evidence exists as far back as 1972. Current data from 2023/2024 are completely supportive of nitrosamines identified in drugs, with genotoxicity and phototoxicity proven once again. Regulators' data on polycontamination of a drug with up to several nitrosamines at the same time are of concern. The carcinogens/mutagens in question could also act as bi-/polycarcinogens depending on whether they are metabolized or not. Permanent combined intake of potentially/actually nitrosamine-contaminated drugs appears to be key in the subsequent development of multiple cutaneous tumours, according to new findings in the literature. The localization of these tumours in areas exposed to intense solar radiation could also be seen as indirectly pointing to the presence of certain photosensitisers in the human body. Some of these nitrosamines are photocarcinogens and human carcinogens at the same time. The identification and specification of each of these genotoxic photosensitizers in drugs has yet to be further investigated in detail. The FDA identifies them currently as substances with carcinogenic potency. The clinicopathologic correlations published to date within the intake of potentially contaminated drugs are indicative of 1) the need to redefine skin cancer pathogenesis and 2) the subsequent possible introduction of complete elimination regimens against nitrosamines. We inform about another polymedication intake in a patient with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which includes the following medications: gliclazide 60 mg once daily and metformin hydrochloride 850 mg once daily, both since 24 years ; sotalol hydrochloride 80 mg since 2 years; bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg since 17 years; candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide 16 mg/ 12.5 mg since 2 years; and lercanidipine hydrochloride 20 mg also since 2 years. Within this intake, it is notable that 1) all 6 of these drugs appear in the databases for possible availability as nitroso compounds, and that 2) this is the seventh consecutive keratinocyte tumor treated surgically (in this period). In the presented patient, surgical treatment was performed using a shark pedicle island flap for BCC of the nose, which is an ideal option for tumors with location in the alar or periralar area. An optimal postoperative outcome was achieved. This article focuses on the possible role of drug-mediated photo nitrosogenesis/ carcinogenesis of skin cancer by briefly reviewing and analyzing the available literature to date.