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Cancers
Special Issues
Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure
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Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 5986

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dimitra Koumaki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dermatology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: skin cancer; melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer; skin surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Stamatis Gregoriou

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School of Athens, I. Dragoumi 5, 16121, Athens, Greece
Interests: skin cancer; mela-noma and non-melanoma skin cancer; atopic der-matitis; contact dermatitis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Konstantin Krasagakis

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: skin cancer; melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin cancer is intricately linked to environmental factors. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight remains a primary contributor, with both UVA and UVB rays implicated in DNA damage and mutation accumulation, fostering the development of skin cancers, including melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Environmental pollutants, such as industrial chemicals and particulate matter, also play roles in skin cancer pathogenesis, potentially interacting with genetic susceptibility. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial to devising effective preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions.

This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate relationship between skin cancer and various environmental exposures, shedding light on emerging research and innovative approaches in the field. We welcome original research articles and reviews that delve into the intersections of environmental factors and skin cancer etiology, prevention, and treatment. Join us in advancing our understanding of this critical health concern and contributing to the scientific dialogue that will inform future advancements in skin cancer research. Your valuable contributions will undoubtedly enrich this Special Issue.

Dr. Dimitra Koumaki
Prof. Dr. Stamatis Gregoriou
Prof. Dr. Konstantin Krasagakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • skin cancer
  • melanoma
  • non-melanoma skin cancer
  • environmental factors
  • ultraviolet (UV) radiation
  • DNA damage
  • etiology
  • prevention and treatment

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 287 KiB  
Article
Skin Cancer Knowledge, Sun Exposure, Photoprotection Behavior, and Perceived Barriers Associated with Skin Cancer Types in a Greek Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Island of Crete
by Dimitra Koumaki, Georgios Evangelou, Stamatios Gregoriou, Stamatoula Kouloumvakou, Andreas Manios, Alexander Katoulis, Georgios Vasileiou Zacharopoulos, Pavel Viktorovich Chernyshov, Marios Papadakis, Dimitrios Kassotakis, Georgios A. Manios, Evangelia Rovithi, Kyriaki Zografaki, Aikaterini Doxastaki, Ioanna Gkiaouraki, Danae Petrou, Faidra Marazaki, Dimitrios Mylonakis, Eelco de Bree and Konstantinos Krasagakis
Cancers 2024, 16(24), 4226; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16244226 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between different types of skin cancer and factors such as sun exposure and photoprotection measures in a Greek cohort on the island of Crete. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Dermatology Department [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between different types of skin cancer and factors such as sun exposure and photoprotection measures in a Greek cohort on the island of Crete. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, between January 2019 and January 2024. The study population included consecutive patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma (MM), as well as healthy controls. The participants completed a self-reported questionnaire covering demographic and clinical data as well as questions about sun exposure and photoprotection habits. Results: A total of 265 skin cancer patients and 106 healthy controls participated in the study: 50.6% of the patients had basal cell carcinoma, 35.1% had squamous cell carcinoma, and 14.3% had malignant melanoma. The cohort comprised 41.5% females and 58.5% males, with a mean age of 73.2 years. As expected, the patients with skin cancer had a lighter skin phototype compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.01). They also reported greater occupational (p < 0.01) and leisure sun exposure (p < 0.01) and a higher median number of vacation weeks spent outdoors before the age of 18 (p = 0.030). Furthermore, the healthy controls were more likely to use sunscreen (p = 0.035) and preferred higher SPF (>50) when they did so (p < 0.01). The healthy controls also reported more frequent use of sunglasses (p < 0.01), brimmed hats (p < 0.01), and long-sleeved clothing (p < 0.01) compared to the skin cancer patients. Conclusion: This is the first study to analyze sun exposure and photoprotection behaviors in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and malignant melanoma (MM) in Crete, revealing the key associations and underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure)
17 pages, 4501 KiB  
Article
The Application of High-Frequency Ultrasonography in Post-Therapeutic Assessment of Actinic Keratosis After Photodynamic Therapy
by Katarzyna Korecka, Anna Slian, Joanna Czajkowska, Aleksandra Dańczak-Pazdrowska and Adriana Polańska
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3778; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223778 - 9 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
Objectives: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are one of the most common reasons for consultation in the elderly population. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 5-ALA PDT in AK treatment using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) to evaluate skin layer changes during therapy. Methods: In [...] Read more.
Objectives: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are one of the most common reasons for consultation in the elderly population. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 5-ALA PDT in AK treatment using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) to evaluate skin layer changes during therapy. Methods: In our study, we included 44 AK patients aged 53 to 89 years. All patients had lesions clinically evaluated with the Olsen and AKASI scale. HFUS imaging was performed on seemingly healthy skin and lesions before and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of therapy. Ultrasound markers such as skin thickness, echogenicity, and pixel intensity were measured. 5-ALA was applied under occlusion for 3 h. After removing the occlusive dressing, 5-ALA was removed with a saline solution and a directed therapy with a BF-200 lamp. Full follow-ups of 56 markers of suitable quality were selected. Results: The thickness of SLEB significantly decreased in the following weeks compared to the pre-therapy results, reaching its lowest values after 12 weeks. The average pixel intensity significantly increased in each skin layer after therapy (p < 0.01). For SLEB, there were statistically significant differences in LEP, MEP and contrast. The AKASI score before and after treatment was determined for the 39 patients who underwent follow-up at week 12. The median AKASI score was 3.2 (1.2–8.6) before treatment and 0.6 (0–2.8) after. Conclusions: According to the literature data, this is the first study describing the ALA-PDT treatment efficacy in different AK severities evaluated in HFUS. HFUS provides a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring the efficacy of PDT in AK treatment, showing significant improvements in skin texture and structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure)
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Review

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14 pages, 400 KiB  
Review
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis and Field Cancerization: A Narrative Review
by Elena Sotiriou, Dimitra Kiritsi, Nikolaos Chaitidis, Michael Arabatzis, Aimilios Lallas and Efstratios Vakirlis
Cancers 2025, 17(6), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17061050 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Actinic keratoses (AKs), also known as solar keratoses, are rough, scaly lesions that appear as macules, papules, or plaques [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure)
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15 pages, 3064 KiB  
Review
Skin Malignancies Due to Anti-Cancer Therapies
by Michela Starace, Luca Rapparini and Stephano Cedirian
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16111960 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1982
Abstract
Skin cancers involve a significant concern in cancer therapy due to their association with various treatment modalities. This comprehensive review explores the increased risk of skin cancers linked to different anti-cancer treatments, including classic immunosuppressants such as methotrexate (MTX), chemotherapeutic agents such as [...] Read more.
Skin cancers involve a significant concern in cancer therapy due to their association with various treatment modalities. This comprehensive review explores the increased risk of skin cancers linked to different anti-cancer treatments, including classic immunosuppressants such as methotrexate (MTX), chemotherapeutic agents such as fludarabine and hydroxyurea (HU), targeted therapies like ibrutinib and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi), mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPKP) inhibitors, sonic hedgehog pathway (SHHP) inhibitors, and radiotherapy. MTX, a widely used immunosuppressant in different fields, is associated with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and cutaneous melanoma (CM), particularly at higher dosages. Fludarabine, HU, and other chemotherapeutic agents increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), including cSCC and BCC. Targeted therapies like ibrutinib and JAKi have been linked to an elevated incidence of NMSCs and CM. MAPKP inhibitors, particularly BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib, are associated with the development of cSCCs and second primary melanomas (SPMs). SHHP inhibitors like vismodegib have been linked to the emergence of cSCCs following treatment for BCC. Additionally, radiotherapy carries carcinogenic risks, especially for BCCs, with increased risks, especially with younger age at the moment of exposure. Understanding these risks and implementing appropriate screening is crucial for effectively managing patients undergoing anti-cancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer and Environmental Exposure)
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