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Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art

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: closed (15 June 2022) | Viewed by 29438

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
2. Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
Interests: melanoma; cancer; skin; skin cancer; DNA repair
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Co-Guest Editor
Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: melanoma; cancer; skin; skin cancer; DNA repair
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Skin cancers are the most common malignancies in Caucasians and the most mutated human cancers. Among them, melanoma has been widely used by scientists as a model for cancer research. Its primary lesion is mostly located in the skin. However, about 14% arises in eyes. Some, even in meninges. The melanoma researchers discovered, explored and better understood multiple mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, tumor microenvironment, tumor-patient interactions and, finally, novel treatment modalities. Moreover, the developments in pathogenesis of skin carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and so on) lead to the introduction of new therapies such as hedgehog inhibitors.

 

In the Special Issue, we would like to publish original skin cancers research, which affected or may affect on the other cancer types in the future. The basic, translational, therapeutic and combination approaches are recommended. Review papers summarizing earlier discoveries such as molecular targets for diagnosis and/or treatment of melanoma and cutaneous carcinomas, which are used in other cancers, immunotargets and immunotherapy such as cancer vaccines, immune check-points inhibitors, cancer stem cells, including further perspectives for developments. Meta-analyzes of big-data generally available (such as The Cancer Genome Atlas) for further validation in experimental settings are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Mackiewicz

Prof. Dr. Piotr Rutkowski

Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Melanoma
  • Skin
  • Eyes
  • Meninges
  • Basic
  • Translational
  • The Cancer Genome Atlas
  • Meta-analyses

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial to the Special Issue on Skin Cancer: The State of the Art
by Piotr Rutkowski and Andrzej Mackiewicz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(7), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073806 - 30 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1533
Abstract
This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences focuses on skin cancers, specifically on the rare forms of these tumors [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art)

Review

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 1626 KiB  
Review
Molecular Profiling and Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Mucosal Melanoma: A Comprehensive Review
by Alice Indini, Fausto Roila, Francesco Grossi, Daniela Massi and Mario Mandalà
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010147 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3048
Abstract
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma. Unlike its cutaneous counterpart, mucosal melanoma has only gained limited benefit from novel treatment approaches due to the lack of actionable driver mutations and poor response to immunotherapy. Over the last years, whole-genome [...] Read more.
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma. Unlike its cutaneous counterpart, mucosal melanoma has only gained limited benefit from novel treatment approaches due to the lack of actionable driver mutations and poor response to immunotherapy. Over the last years, whole-genome and exome sequencing techniques have led to increased knowledge on the molecular landscape of mucosal melanoma. Molecular studies have underlined noteworthy findings with potential therapeutic implications, including the presence of KIT mutations, which are potential targets of tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently in use in the clinic (imatinib), but also SF3B1 mutation, CDK4 amplifications, and CDKN2A gene deletions, which are presently under investigation in clinical trials. Recent results from a pooled analysis of patients with mucosal melanoma treated with immunotherapy have suggested that the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors might improve survival outcomes in this subset of patients, as compared with single-agent immunotherapy. However, these results are not confirmed across different studies, and combo-immunotherapy correlates with a higher rate of adverse events. In this review, we describe the clinical, biological, and genetic features of mucosal melanoma. We also provide an update on the results of approved systemic treatment in this setting and overview the therapeutic strategies currently under investigation in clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art)
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39 pages, 6864 KiB  
Review
Merkel Cell Carcinoma from Molecular Pathology to Novel Therapies
by Karolina Stachyra, Monika Dudzisz-Śledź, Elżbieta Bylina, Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz, Mateusz J. Spałek, Ewa Bartnik, Piotr Rutkowski and Anna M. Czarnecka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(12), 6305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22126305 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7384
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive skin cancer. It develops mostly within chronically sun-exposed areas of the skin. MCPyV is detected in 60–80% of MCC cases as integrated within the genome and is considered a major risk factor for [...] Read more.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive skin cancer. It develops mostly within chronically sun-exposed areas of the skin. MCPyV is detected in 60–80% of MCC cases as integrated within the genome and is considered a major risk factor for MCC. Viral negative MCCs have a high mutation burden with a UV damage signature. Aberrations occur in RB1, TP53, and NOTCH genes as well as in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. MCC is highly immunogenic, but MCC cells are known to evade the host’s immune response. Despite the characteristic immunohistological profile of MCC, the diagnosis is challenging, and it should be confirmed by an experienced pathologist. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered the most reliable staging tool to identify subclinical nodal disease. Subclinical node metastases are present in about 30–50% of patients with primary MCC. The basis of MCC treatment is surgical excision. MCC is highly radiosensitive. It becomes chemoresistant within a few months. MCC is prone to recurrence. The outcomes in patients with metastatic disease are poor, with a historical 5-year survival of 13.5%. The median progression-free survival is 3–5 months, and the median overall survival is ten months. Currently, immunotherapy has become a standard of care first-line therapy for advanced MCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art)
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44 pages, 8946 KiB  
Review
Current Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Cutaneous Adnexal Neoplasms with Apocrine and Eccrine Differentiation
by Iga Płachta, Marcin Kleibert, Anna M. Czarnecka, Mateusz Spałek, Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz and Piotr Rutkowski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(10), 5077; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22105077 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 10238
Abstract
Adnexal tumors of the skin are a rare group of benign and malignant neoplasms that exhibit morphological differentiation toward one or more of the adnexal epithelium types present in normal skin. Tumors deriving from apocrine or eccrine glands are highly heterogeneous and represent [...] Read more.
Adnexal tumors of the skin are a rare group of benign and malignant neoplasms that exhibit morphological differentiation toward one or more of the adnexal epithelium types present in normal skin. Tumors deriving from apocrine or eccrine glands are highly heterogeneous and represent various histological entities. Macroscopic and dermatoscopic features of these tumors are unspecific; therefore, a specialized pathological examination is required to correctly diagnose patients. Limited treatment guidelines of adnexal tumor cases are available; thus, therapy is still challenging. Patients should be referred to high-volume skin cancer centers to receive an appropriate multidisciplinary treatment, affecting their outcome. The purpose of this review is to summarize currently available data on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment approach for apocrine and eccrine tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art)
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17 pages, 16978 KiB  
Review
Current Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Cutaneous Adnexal Neoplasms with Follicular Differentiation
by Iga Płachta, Marcin Kleibert, Anna M. Czarnecka, Mateusz Spałek, Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz and Piotr Rutkowski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094759 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5227
Abstract
Neoplasms derived from follicular tissue are extremely rare. Clinically, they are reported as non-symptomatic, slow-growing nodules. These lesions are mainly benign, but the malignant type can occur. Mainly middle-aged people (50–60 years of age) are affected. These carcinomas are mainly localized on the [...] Read more.
Neoplasms derived from follicular tissue are extremely rare. Clinically, they are reported as non-symptomatic, slow-growing nodules. These lesions are mainly benign, but the malignant type can occur. Mainly middle-aged people (50–60 years of age) are affected. These carcinomas are mainly localized on the head and neck or torso. They can be locally aggressive and infiltrate surrounding tissue and metastasize to regional lymph nodes. In the minority of cases, distant metastases are diagnosed. Quick and relevant diagnosis is the basis of a treatment for all types of tumors. The patient’s life expectancy depends on multiple prognostic factors, including the primary tumor size and its mitotic count. Patients should be referred to a specialized skin cancer center to receive optimal multidisciplinary treatment. This article tries to summarize all the information that is currently available about pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of follicular tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: State-of-the-Art)
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