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Advances in Head and Neck and Skin Cancer

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2025 | Viewed by 5759

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
Interests: head and neck cancer and skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma; cancer
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Guest Editor
Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
Interests: melanoma; dermatology; dermatoscopy; hidradenitis suppurativa; acne
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: radiation oncology; head and neck cancer; non melanoma skin cancer; stereotassic radiotherapy; oligometastases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Immunotherapy and a combination of old and new treatments have revolutionized the scenario of head and neck and skin cancers. The aging of populations justifies the growing number of patients who deserve a multidisciplinary approach. In head and neck cancer, despite chemoradiotherapy, about 50% of patients with locally advanced disease will recur in 5 years, and in recurrent metastatic disease, the prognosis, even if patients are treated with immunotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy is dismal, only 20% of responders benefit from these new treatments. Melanoma is the neoplasm that has paved the way for innovations in molecular biology and immunotherapy, and the field of study is always in turmoil to further increase the outcomes. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent among nonmelanoma skin carcinomas. Hedgehog inhibitors have changed the scenario in BCC, and second-line treatment is now available for incompliant or progressive disease. In squamous cell carcinoma, an increasing number of elderly is now a candidate for immunotherapy with Cemiplimab. Interestingly, new combinations with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors are ongoing, and promising results are awaited. Most nonmelanoma skin cancer affects the head and neck region.

Continuing education and a very compact multidisciplinary group are essential to ensure high levels of procedures and cures. Every physician should contribute with the last significant advance in their field.

The scope of this Special Issue is to collect recent advances in head and neck cancer and skin cancer treatments.

Dr. Nerina Denaro
Prof. Dr. Gianluca Nazzaro
Dr. Iorio Giuseppe Carlo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • head and neck cancer
  • melanoma
  • nonmelanoma skin cancer
  • immunotherapy
  • tumor microenvironment

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3023 KiB  
Article
The Effects of ML385 on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for NRF2 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy
by Eun-Jeong Jeong, Jong Joong Choi, Sun Young Lee and Yeon Soo Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137011 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects squamous cells in the head and neck region and is currently ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide. NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) plays a crucial role in cellular protection and defence mechanisms and NRF2 [...] Read more.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects squamous cells in the head and neck region and is currently ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide. NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) plays a crucial role in cellular protection and defence mechanisms and NRF2 over-expression has been linked to various cancers; however, its role in the response of HNSCC cells remains elusive. We investigated the effects of ML385, a selective NRF2 inhibitor, on HNSCC to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, and to assess the potential of ML385 as a therapeutic agent. We treated HNSCC cell lines with ML385 and observed a significant reduction in the expression of NRF2 and its downstream target, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), using Western blotting. We evaluated its effects on various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cloning, migration, and wound healing, in HNSCC cell lines. ML385 treatment substantially reduced NRF2 expression, promoting a decrease in the investigated cellular activities. Additionally, we examined changes in the expression of cell-cycle-related proteins and found that ML385 induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase in HNSCC cell lines. Our findings suggest that ML385 can regulate cell cycle progression, inhibit HNSCC growth, and have potential as a therapeutic agent for HNSCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Head and Neck and Skin Cancer)
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Review

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24 pages, 2180 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Approaches for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Standard of Care and Emerging Modalities
by Stefano Sol, Fabiana Boncimino, Kristina Todorova, Sarah Elizabeth Waszyn and Anna Mandinova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137056 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Skin cancer encompasses a range of cutaneous malignancies, with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) being the most common neoplasm worldwide. Skin exposure is the leading risk factor for initiating NMSC. Ultraviolet (UV) light induces various genomic aberrations in both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing genes in [...] Read more.
Skin cancer encompasses a range of cutaneous malignancies, with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) being the most common neoplasm worldwide. Skin exposure is the leading risk factor for initiating NMSC. Ultraviolet (UV) light induces various genomic aberrations in both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing genes in epidermal cells. In conjunction with interactions with a changed stromal microenvironment and local immune suppression, these aberrations contribute to the occurrence and expansion of cancerous lesions. Surgical excision is still the most common treatment for these lesions; however, locally advanced or metastatic disease significantly increases the chances of morbidity or death. In recent years, numerous pharmacological targets were found through extensive research on the pathogenic mechanisms of NMSCs, leading to the development of novel treatments including Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Despite the efficacy of these new drugs, drug resistance and tolerability issues often arise with long-term treatment. Ongoing studies aim to identify alternative strategies with reduced adverse effects and increased tolerability. This review summarizes the current and emerging therapies used to treat NMSC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Head and Neck and Skin Cancer)
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14 pages, 530 KiB  
Review
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Patients with Psoriasis and a History of Malignancies or On-Treatment for Solid Tumors: A Narrative Literature Review
by Nerina Denaro, Gianluca Nazzaro, Giulia Murgia, Federica Scarfì, Carolina Cauchi, Carlo Giovanni Carrera, Angelo Cattaneo, Cinzia Solinas, Mario Scartozzi, Angelo Valerio Marzano, Ornella Garrone and Emanuela Passoni
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(24), 17540; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242417540 - 16 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1716
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Although numerous studies have explored whether neoplasms are concurrent conditions or are induced by psoriasis, a definitive definition remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive narrative [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Although numerous studies have explored whether neoplasms are concurrent conditions or are induced by psoriasis, a definitive definition remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive narrative literature review to offer practical guidance to oncologists and dermatologists regarding the initiation and discontinuation of biologics for psoriasis. The findings indicate that a customized approach is recommended for each patient, and that a history of malignancies does not constitute an absolute contraindication for biologics. Growing evidence supports the treatment of selected patients, emphasizing a nuanced assessment of benefits and risks. There is a lack of data specifying a safe timeframe to initiate biologics following a neoplasm diagnosis due to influences from cancer-related and patient-specific characteristics impacting prognosis. Some patients may continue anti-psoriasis therapy during cancer treatments. Enhanced comprehension of the biological mechanisms in cancer progression and the immune microenvironment of psoriasis holds promise for refining therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, a personalized treatment approach necessitates collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists, considering factors such as cancer prognosis, psoriasis clinical manifestations, patient characteristics, and preferences when making treatment decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Head and Neck and Skin Cancer)
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