Chemotherapy in the management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients: theoretical and practical considerations.
BACKGROUND
The use of chemotherapy in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) with advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains relatively unexplored in dermatology. Advances in the use of chemotherapy in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may be applicable to this increasingly common disease.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether recent advances in the role of chemotherapy in the management of HNSCC and cutaneous SCC offer insights into treatment strategies for metastatic cutaneous SCC.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature pertaining to treatment of advanced and metastatic HNSCC and cutaneous SCC, with particular attention to the role of chemotherapy. In addition, specialists in the fields of cutaneous oncology and dermatologic surgery, head and neck surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology were consulted for expert multidisciplinary advice.


RESULTS
Specific roles for chemotherapy in the management of advanced and cutaneous HNSCC are discussed and summarized. In addition, we propose theoretical analogies in the treatment of advanced and metastatic cutaneous SCC in OTRs.


CONCLUSIONS
The head and neck surgery and oncology literature is rich with experience in locoregionally advanced and metastatic HNSCC, and adaptation of management concepts may prove feasible in the management of OTRs with advanced and metastatic cutaneous SCC.
Martinez
Juan-Carlos
JC
Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Otley
Clark C
CC
Okuno
Scott H
SH
Foote
Robert L
RL
Kasperbauer
Jan L
JL
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D010166:Palliative Care; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents