ASCO20: Predicting Subclinical Progression of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Posted: Friday, June 12, 2020
Findings presented during the ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program (Abstract e22093) demonstrated that when detecting squamous cell carcinoma, moderately differentiated tumors correlated with a higher rate of aggressive subclinical extension when compared with well-differentiated tumors. Stratifying risk by zone, observed Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD, of the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, and colleagues, seems to have limited utility when identifying aggressive subclinical progression of squamous cell carcinoma.
“Improved understanding of location-based differences in tumor behavior could reveal discrepancies between [squamous cell carcinoma] and [basal cell carcinoma], enabling revised zones specific to [squamous cell carcinoma],” the authors concluded.
In this retrospective study, the authors analyzed 1,019 samples from patients who had squamous cell carcinoma removed via Mohs micrographic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. The relationships between various patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed to better understand aggressive subclinical extension of disease. Tumor locations were grouped into zones according to the American Academy of Dermatology appropriate-use criteria.
Of the samples analyzed, 67 required fewer than three Mohs layers for removal. The only statistically significant variable observed by the authors was tumor grade. Moderately differentiated tumors were 1.828 times more likely to demonstrate aggressive subclinical extension than well-differentiated tumors. Poorly differentiated tumors were 4.273 times more likely to feature aggressive subclinical extension than well-differentiated tumors.
“Moderately differentiated tumor grade is not included in the [appropriate-use criteria]; however, treatment of these tumors with [Mohs micrographic surgery] might improve patient outcomes and minimize costs associated with recurrence,” the authors added.
Disclosure: For full discourse of the study authors, visit coi.asco.org.
