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Comment
. 2023 Mar 1;49(3):228-230.
doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003700. Epub 2023 Jan 17.

Refining the Classification of Field Cancerization

Bo Kitrell  1 , Ashley Crew  2 , Ashley Wysong  1 , Adam Sutton  1
Affiliations
Comment

Refining the Classification of Field Cancerization

Bo Kitrell et al. Dermatol Surg. .

Abstract

Background: Field cancerization is a commonly encountered but poorly defined entity in dermatology. Lack of a consensus definition makes characterizing and studying this condition difficult.

Objective: Propose a framework for defining and managing field cancerization patients.

Methods: Clinical experience and available data in the literature was used to develop a proposed field cancerization disease classification system and chemoprevention algorithm.

Results: The author group developed a field cancerization classification and treatment algorithm that stratifies patients into 5 different classes based on the extent of their field cancerization. They have started to recruit and study the highest risk cohort (Category 4 or 5) and have recruited 57 patients with 5 or more lifetime keratinocyte carcinomas for a prospective study evaluating chemoprevention strategies and disease burden. In these cohorts, the average number of skin cancers was greater than 12; however, less than 39% of these patients had used any chemoprevention in the prior 6 months.

Conclusion: A meaningful and clinically relevant disease stratification framework with chemoprevention guidance has the potential to highly impact the specialty and patients.

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References

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