Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Apr 2023)
Immunomodulators for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Updated Perspectives
Abstract
Kristen Russomanno,1 Sara Abdel Azim,2 Vishal A Patel3 1Department of Dermatology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Medstar Medical Group, Washington, DC, USA; 2School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; 3Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USACorrespondence: Vishal A Patel, Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20037, USA, Tel +1 202 741 2600, Email [email protected]: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common cancers worldwide and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunosuppressed populations. Successful management of NMSC must take primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies into consideration. In response to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of NMSC and associated risk factors, multiple systemic and topical immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and integrated into clinical practice. Many of these drugs are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of precursor lesions (actinic keratoses; AKs), low-risk NMSC, and advanced disease. The identification of patients at high risk for the development of NMSC is critical in reducing disease morbidity. Understanding the various treatment options available and their comparative effectiveness is paramount for developing a personalized treatment regimen for such patients. This review article provides an updated overview of the various topical and systemic immunomodulatory drugs available for the prevention and treatment of NMSC, and the published data supporting their use in clinical practice.Keywords: non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, keratinocyte carcinoma
