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Review
. 2023 Nov 21;15(23):5494.
doi: 10.3390/cancers15235494.

Neoadjuvant Approaches to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

David C Wilde  1 , Mica E Glaun  2 , Michael K Wong  3 , Neil D Gross  2
Affiliations
Review

Neoadjuvant Approaches to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

David C Wilde et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Surgery and external-beam radiation therapy are the primary treatment modalities for locally advanced NMSC, but they can lead to impairment of function and disfigurement in sensitive areas such as the head and neck. With the advent of targeted systemic therapies and immunotherapy, physicians have explored the ability to offer neoadjuvant therapy for NMSC in order to reduce surgically induced morbidity. Provided herein is a guide to current applications of neoadjuvant systemic therapies for NMSC and future directions.

Keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; neoadjuvant therapy; non-melanomatous skin cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

M.K.K.W. has served on advisory boards for the following: Merck, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Regeneron, EMD-Serono, ExiCure, Castle Biosciences, Replimune, and Incyte. N.D.G. reports institutional research funding from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and advisory board and consulting fees from PDS Biotechnology, Replimmune, and Merck.

Figures

Figure 2
Figure 2
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for node-positive Merkel cell carcinoma. Representative axial computed tomography (CT) images before (A) and after (B) neoadjuvant immunotherapy (Avelumab) for recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma metastatic to a left submandibular lymph node (arrow). Histologic interpretation after surgery demonstrated a complete pathologic response.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Representative clinical photographs (A,B) and axial computed tomography (CT) images (C,D) before (A,C) and after (B,D) neoadjuvant immunotherapy (Cemiplimab) for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the right cheek. Histologic interpretation after surgery demonstrated a complete pathologic response.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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