Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Solid Organ Transplant Patients

  • Leandro Silva Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7804-3092
  • João Borges-Costa Serviço de Dermatologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Clínica Universitária de Dermatologia de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8903-209X
Keywords: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Immunosuppression/adverse effects, Skin Neoplasms, Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) are more likely to develop cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), compared to the general population. This increased incidence is due to several factors including chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, immunosuppressive medication, among others. Primary prevention is crucial, because not only are cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas more frequent in SOTR, but they are also more aggressive and have therefore a worse prognosis. Newer immunosuppressive drugs are associated with a smaller risk of developing CSCC, but they can have more adverse events, prompting patients to abandon therapy. Concerning treatment options for CSCC, they range from surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, although there are few studies in SOTR concerning the use of immunotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.

 

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Published
2020-12-18
How to Cite
Silva, L., & Borges-Costa, J. (2020). Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Solid Organ Transplant Patients. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 78(4), 245-351. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.78.4.1270
Section
Review Articles