Clark C. Otley

A new American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Creation and rationale for inclusion of tumor (T) characteristics

BACKGROUND The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is increasing. Although most patients achieve complete remission with surgical treatment, those with advanced disease have a poor prognosis. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is responsible for the staging criteria for all cancers. For the past 20 years, the AJCC cancer staging manual has grouped all nonmelanoma skin cancers, including cSCC, together for the purposes of staging. However, based on new evidence, the AJCC has determined that cSCC should have a separate staging system in the 7th edition AJCC staging manual. OBJECTIVE We sought to present the rationale for and characteristics of the new AJCC staging system specific to cSCC tumor characteristics (T). METHODS The Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Task Force of AJCC reviewed relevant data and reached expert consensus in creating the 7th edition AJCC staging system for cSCC. Emphasis was placed on prospectively accumulated data and multivariate analyses. Concordance with head and neck cancer staging system was also achieved. RESULTS A new AJCC cSCC T classification is presented. The T classification is determined by tumor diameter, invasion into cranial bone, and high-risk features, including anatomic location, tumor thickness and level, differentiation, and perineural invasion. LIMITATIONS The data available for analysis are still suboptimal, with limited prospective outcomes trials and few multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS The new AJCC staging system for cSCC incorporates tumor-specific (T) staging features and will encourage coordinated, consistent collection of data that will be the basis of improved prognostic systems in the future.

Botulinum Toxin to Improve Facial Wound Healing: A Prospective, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE To test whether botulinum toxin-induced immobillzation of facial lacerations enhances wound healing and results in less noticeable scars. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial, patients were randomized from February 1, 2002, until January 1, 2004, to botullnum toxin vs placebo injection into the musculature adjacent to the wound within 24 hours after wound closure. Blinded assessment of standardized photographs by experienced facial plastic surgeons using a 10-cm visual analog scale served as the main outcome measure. RESULTS Thirty-one patients presenting with traumatic forehead lacerations or undergoing elective excisions of forehead masses were included in the study. The overall median visual analog scale score for the botulinum toxin-treated group was 8.9 compared with 7.2 for the placebo group (P=.003), indicating enhanced healing and Improved cosmesis of the experimentally immobilized scars. CONCLUSIONS Botullnum toxin-induced Immobilization of forehead wounds enhances healing and is suggested for use in selected patients to improve the eventual appearance of the scar.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery: Advisory statement 2008

BACKGROUND Antibiotic prophylaxis is an important component of dermatologic surgery, and recommendations in this area should reflect the updated 2007 guidelines of the American Heart Association, the American Dental Association with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines, and recent prospective studies on surgical site infection. OBJECTIVE To provide an update on the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery for the prevention of infective endocarditis, hematogenous total joint infection, and surgical site infection. METHODS A literature review was performed, expert consensus was obtained, and updated recommendations were created, consistent with the most current authoritative guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. RESULTS For patients with high-risk cardiac conditions, and a defined group of patients with prosthetic joints at high risk for hematogenous total joint infection, prophylactic antibiotics are recommended when the surgical site is infected or when the procedure involves breach of the oral mucosa. For the prevention of surgical site infections, antibiotics may be indicated for procedures on the lower extremities or groin, for wedge excisions of the lip and ear, skin flaps on the nose, skin grafts, and for patients with extensive inflammatory skin disease. LIMITATIONS These recommendations are not based on multiple, large-scale, prospective trials. CONCLUSIONS There is a strong shift away from administration of prophylactic antibiotics in many dermatologic surgery settings, based on updated authoritative guidelines. These recommendations provide guidance to comply with the most current guidelines, modified to address dermatology-specific considerations. Managing physicians may utilize these guidelines while individualizing their approach based on all clinical considerations.

The Management of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: A Review for the Primary Care Physician

In the United States, the incidence of skin cancer is greater than that of all other cancers combined, and early diagnosis can be lifesaving. A substantial public health concern, skin cancer is increasingly being diagnosed and managed by primary care physicians. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (known collectively as nonmelanoma skin cancer) and malignant melanoma are the most common cutaneous malignancies. Shave biopsy is usually performed if BCC is suspected; punch biopsy is preferred if SCC is thought to be present. The choice of biopsy techniques depends on the presumed depth of the lesion. Treatment has 3 goals: complete eradication of the cancer and preservation or restoration of normal function and cosmesis. Risk of recurrence or metastasis determines whether the tumor is high risk or low risk. Based on the level of risk, treatment options are considered, including whether the patient can be treated by a primary care physician or should be referred to a dermatologist. Choice of treatment approach depends on the tumors location, size, borders, and growth rate. The standard treatment approaches are superficial ablative techniques (electro-desiccation and curettage and cryotherapy) used primarily for low-risk tumors and full-thickness techniques (Mohs micrographic surgery, excisional surgery, and radiotherapy) used to treat high-risk tumors. Removal of the entire tumor is essential to limit and prevent tumor recurrence.

Prognostic factors in Merkel cell carcinoma: Analysis of 240 cases

BACKGROUND Knowledge regarding behavior of and prognostic factors for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is limited. OBJECTIVE We sought to further understand the characteristics, behavior, prognostic factors, and optimal treatment of MCC. METHODS A multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study of patients with known primary MCC was completed. Overall survival and survival free of locoregional recurrence were calculated and statistical analysis of characteristics and outcomes was performed. RESULTS Among the 240 patients, the mean age at diagnosis was 70.1 years, 168 (70.0%) were male, and the majority was Caucasian. The most common location was head and neck (111, 46.3%). Immunosuppressed patients had significantly worse survival, with an overall 3-year survival of 43.4% compared with 68.1% in immunocompetent patients. In our study, patients with stage II disease had improved overall survival versus those with stage I disease, in a statistically significant manner. Patients with stage III disease had significantly worse survival compared with stage I and with stage II. Primary tumor size did not predict nodal involvement. CONCLUSION The data presented represent one of the largest series of primary MCC in the literature and confirm that MCC of all sizes has metastatic potential, supporting sentinel lymph node biopsy for all primary MCC. Because of the unpredictable natural history of MCC, we recommend individualization of care based on the details of each patients tumor and clinical presentation.

Melanoma in solid organ transplant recipients.

This manuscript outlines estimated risk and clinical course of pretransplant MM, donor‐transmitted MM and de novo MM posttransplantation and includes an analysis of risk factors for metastasis, data from clinical studies and current and proposed management. MM in situ and thin melanoma (<1 mm) in the transplant population has similar recurrence and survival estimates to those in the general population. A minimum wait time of 2 years prior to transplantation is suggested for MM with a Breslow depth <1 mm and no clinical evidence of metastasis. More advanced MM may adopt a more aggressive course in transplant recipients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be of additional prognostic benefit. Revision of immunosuppression in the management of de novo melanoma in collaboration with the transplant team should be considered. Larger studies utilizing uniform staging criteria or at minimum Breslow depth, are required to assess true risk and outcome of MM in the immunosuppressed transplant population. Emphasis remains on patient education and regular screening to provide early detection of MM.

Treatment of facial wounds with botulinum toxin A improves cosmetic outcome in primates.

Surgeons have constantly sought to achieve the most aesthetic scar. A major factor determining the final cosmetic appearance of a cutaneous scar is the tension acting on the wound edges during the healing phase. Since Theodor Kocher pioneered the alignment of skin incisions with Langer’s lines in 1892, surgical techniques that attempt to overcome closing tension have become standard. Yet, no treatment has been available to minimize underlying muscle contractions, which are the major cause of this tension. Botulinum toxin A is a potent drug that produces temporary muscular paralysis when injected locally. It has proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including hyperkinetic facial lines. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primate study was to investigate the efficacy of a single injection of botulinum toxin A to improve the cosmetic appearance of cutaneous scars. Symmetric pairs of standardized excisions were performed on either side of the forehead of six primates. The half foreheads were randomized to the botulinum toxin A treatment side versus the placebo injection side. A panel of three blinded facial surgeons assessed the cosmetic appearance of the mature scars 3 months postoperatively. The wounds that had been immobilized with botulinum toxin A were rated as significantly better in appearance than the control wounds (p < 0.01). Histologic examination confirmed that all scars were mature. Blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trials are presently under way at the Mayo Clinic.

Continuation of medically necessary aspirin and warfarin during cutaneous surgery.

Excisional cutaneous surgery is performed commonly in patients who take medically necessary aspirin or warfarin. Although controversy has existed regarding the appropriate perioperative management of anticoagulant therapy during cutaneous surgery, recent data suggest that the risk of severe hemorrhagic complications is not increased if these medications are continued. Brief perioperative discontinuation does not lower this already minimal hemorrhagic risk. Furthermore, life-threatening thromboembolic complications have been related temporally to perioperative discontinuation of both aspirin and warfarin. In light of the absence of benefit and the presence of risks associated with discontinuation of warfarin and aspirin perioperatively during excisional cutaneous surgery, continuation of these medications is recommended in most situations. In all cases, the individual patients medical history and risk factors should be taken into account when making this clinical decision, and deviation from the guidelines should be considered if clinical imperatives warrant.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Skin Cancer After Heart Transplant

OBJECTIVE To examine the incidence, tumor burden, and risk factors for nonmelanoma and other skin cancer types in this heart transplant cohort. DESIGN Retrospective review of patient medical records. SETTING Tertiary care center. Patients All heart transplant recipients at Mayo Clinic from 1988 to 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cumulative incidence of skin cancer and tumor burden, with Cox proportional hazards regression models used to evaluate risk factors for posttransplant primary and secondary nonmelanoma skin cancer. RESULTS In total, 312 heart transplant patients had 1395 new skin cancers in 2097 person-years (mean, 0.43 per year per patient) with a range of 0 to 306 for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 0 to 17 for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The cumulative incidence rates of any skin cancer were 20.4%, 37.5%, and 46.4% at 5, 10, and 15 years after heart transplant, respectively. Cumulative incidence of SCC after the first BCC was 98.1% within 7 years. Multivariate analysis showed that posttransplant nonskin cancer, increased age, and heart failure etiologic factors other than idiopathic disease were associated with increased risk of SCC. Posttransplant herpes simplex viral infection, increased age, and use of mycophenolate mofetil for immunosuppression were associated with increased risk of BCC. CONCLUSIONS With prolonged survival, many heart transplant patients have numerous skin cancers. Vigilant sun protection practices, skin cancer education, and regular skin examination are appropriate interventions in these high-risk patients.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is Associated With Decreased Survival of Patients With Malignant Melanoma and Merkel Cell Carcinoma in a SEER Population-Based Study

PURPOSE To delineate outcomes of malignant melanoma (MM) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified patients with MM or MCC reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and analyzed the effects of history of CLL/NHL on overall (OS) and cause-specific survival after MM or MCC. Expected survival was derived from patients with MM or MCC without CLL/NHL. RESULTS From 1990 to 2006, 212,245 patients with MM and 3,613 patients with MCC were identified, of whom 1,246 with MM and 90 with MCC had a prior diagnosis of CLL/NHL. Patients with MM and a history of CLL/NHL had worse-than-expected OS as measured by standardized mortality ratio (SMR; SMR for CLL, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.3 to 3.0; SMR for NHL, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 2.6). MM cause-specific survival was worse than expected for patients with a history of CLL (SMR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.4) or NHL (SMR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 2.6). Among patients with MCC, OS was worse than expected for those with a history of CLL (SMR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.3) or NHL (SMR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.8). MCC cause-specific survival was worse than expected for patients with a history of CLL (SMR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.5 to 5.9), but no difference was observed for NHL (SMR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4 to 2.1). CONCLUSION Patients with CLL before diagnosis of MM or MCC have significantly worse OS and MM or MCC cause-specific survival than those without a history of CLL/NHL.