Actinic keratosis‐related signs predictive of squamous cell carcinoma in renal transplant recipients: a nested case–control study. (5th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiyad, Z.; O'Rourke, P.; Soyer, H.P.; Green, A.C.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 176:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 965
• Page End: 970
• Publication Date: 2017-03-05
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) commonly arise in actinically damaged skin. Objectives: To identify clinical features of actinic change that correlate with an increased risk of SCC or IEC in the short‐to‐medium term as guidance for prioritizing field treatment. Methods: In a nested case–control study, cases were renal transplant recipients who developed an incident SCC or IEC within 18 months following baseline examination and photography. Controls without SCC or IEC were matched to cases on age, sex and duration of immunosuppression. Predefined skin sites on the head, neck and upper limbs were examined using baseline photographs to assess objectively the following features of actinic damage: presence of actinic keratosis (AK) patch (defined as AK > 1 cm 2 ), number of AK patches, number of AKs and area affected by AK. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using McNemar's test to identify differences in SCC/IEC risk combined and SCC risk alone between case and control skin sites. Results: Thirty‐nine cases were matched to 39 controls. Significant associations with the presence of an AK patch, number of AK patches, number of AKs and area affected by AKs were identified. The presence of an AK patch conferred an 18‐fold increased risk of SCC (OR 18·00, 95% CI 2·84–750) and more than a sixfold increased risk of SCC/IEC combined (OR 6·60, 95% CI 2·56–21·66). Conclusions: AK patches are predictive of SCC/IEC development within 18 months. This can be used to guide site selection for field treatment in patients with widespread actinic damage. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) commonly arises in actinically damaged skin. Intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC) is a precursor of SCC that usually develops on sun‐exposed skin. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are associated with an increased risk of SCC. Actinic field change represents keratinocytes with ultraviolet‐specific precancerous genetic mutations. What does this study add? Certain features of actinic damage on predefined areas of skin on the head, neck and upper limbs can predict SCC or IEC risk in the short‐to‐medium term. The presence of AK that affects > 1 cm 2 skin (AK patch) on a predefined site significantly increases the risk of SCC or IEC within 18 months. The number of AKs and the percentage of the area affected by AKs are also associated with an increased risk of SCC or IEC.