From basic to clinical and therapeutic insights: news on actinic keratosis and skin squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer, with an increasing incidence. This review highlights this past year's advances regarding the understanding of its pathogenesis, newly introduced diagnostic methods and updates in prevention and treatment.

Recent findings: While the pathogenesis of SCC progression remains unclear, new sequencing techniques are helping to better characterize these tumours at the molecular level. Recently introduced noninvasive imaging techniques are rapidly transforming SCC diagnosis and follow-up. Although nicotinamide has not demonstrated significant benefit in reducing SCC incidence among transplant recipients, larger studies are needed to achieve statistical power. Tirbanibulin, a new field treatment for actinic keratosis is now available and well tolerated for use in areas up to 100 cm 2 . Surgery remains the cornerstone of SCC treatment and can now be complemented with cemiplimab, when advanced.

Summary: Recent years have seen a diagnostic revolution in dermatology, driven by noninvasive imaging and artificial intelligence; however, the physiopathogenesis of SCC progression remains poorly understood. In treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown good survival outcomes for advanced SCC. Research continues in the neoadjuvant setting and among transplanted patients, with encouraging preliminary results.