Editorial
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World J Clin Oncol. Nov 10, 2013; 4(4): 85-90
Published online Nov 10, 2013. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v4.i4.85
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: Emerging need for novel biomarkers
Atte Kivisaari, Veli-Matti Kähäri
Atte Kivisaari, Veli-Matti Kähäri, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
Atte Kivisaari, Veli-Matti Kähäri, MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
Author contributions: Kivisaari A and Kähäri VM contributed to the writing of this manuscript.
Supported by The Academy of Finland, project 137687; the Finnish Cancer Research Foundation, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Turku University Hospital EVO grant, project 13336; and by personal grant to Kivisaari A from Finnish Medical Foundation
Correspondence to: Veli-Matti Kähäri, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20521 Turku,Finland. veli-matti.kahari@utu.fi
Telephone: +358-2-3131600 Fax: +358-2-3131610
Received: March 11, 2013
Revised: June 26, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: November 10, 2013
Processing time: 241 Days and 16.5 Hours
Abstract

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) is rising worldwide resulting in demand for clinically useful prognostic biomarkers for these malignant tumors, especially for invasive and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Important risk factors for the development and progression of cSCC include ultraviolet radiation, chronic skin ulcers and immunosuppression. Due to the role of cumulative long-term sun exposure, cSCC is usually a disease of the elderly, but the incidence is also growing in younger individuals due to increased recreational exposure to sunlight. Although clinical diagnosis of cSCC is usually easy and treatment with surgical excision curable, it is responsible for the majority of NMSC related deaths. Clinicians treating skin cancer patients are aware that certain cSCCs grow rapidly and metastasize, but the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the aggressive progression of a subpopulation of cSCCs remain incompletely understood. Recently, new molecular markers for progression of cSCC have been identified.

Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma; Skin cancer; Biomarker; Matrix metalloproteinase; Serpin

Core tip: Several molecular markers for progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) have been identified, but a clinically useful panel of biomarkers is still not available. Further studies are required to determine whether prognostic cSCC biomarker panel can be incorporated into clinical practice. In the meantime, while waiting for novel diagnostic and prognostic tools, clinicians must actively advocate public awareness on skin protection against excessive sun exposure in order to lower the increasing incidence of cSCC.