Immunotherapy for keratinocyte cancers. Part I: Immune-related epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and immunotherapy management of keratinocyte cancers

Abstract

The important role of the immune system in the surveillance and control of keratinocyte cancers (KCs), namely squamous and basal cell carcinomas, is increasingly appreciated, as new immunotherapies have recently become available. As the field of immunotherapy is rapidly evolving, this review synthesizes key concepts and highlights important cellular components within the immune system responsible for attacking KCs. We review the most current data on the epidemiology, risk factors, and immunotherapy management for KCs. Patients will seek advice from dermatologists to help explain why immunotherapies work for KCs and whether they might be appropriate for different clinical scenarios. Collaboration with medical colleagues across different disciplines to evaluate KCs for response to immunotherapy and early recognition of immune-related adverse events will help to optimize patient outcomes.

Keywords: Toll-like receptor 7; adaptive immune system; basal cell carcinoma; checkpoint inhibitor; epidemiology; imiquimod; immunosuppression; immunotherapy; innate immune system; keratinocyte carcinoma; pathogenesis; programmed cell death 1; risk factors; solid organ transplant; squamous cell carcinoma.