BackgroundThe pathogenic role of beta-HPVs in non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), is not still completely understood, and literature data indicate that they might be at least cofactors in the development of certain cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. However, only few reports contain data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The HPVs interact with many cellular proteins altering their function or the expression levels, like the p16INK4a and Akt. Our study aimed to determine the presence of different beta -HPV types and the expression of p16INK4a and Akt in BCC, the commonest NMSC, in the normal appearing perilesional skin and in forehead swab of 37 immunocompetent patients.MethodsThe expression of p16INK4a and Akt, by immunohistochemistry, and the HPV DNA, by nested PCR, were investigated in each sample.ResultsNo correspondence of HPV types between BCC and swab samples was found, whereas a correspondence between perilesional skin and BCC was ascertained in the 16,7% of the patients. In BCC, 16 different types of beta HPV were found and the most frequent types were HPV107 (15,4%), HPV100 (11,5%) and HPV15 (11,5%) all belonging to the beta HPV species 2. Immunohistochemistry detected significant p16INK4a expression in almost all tumor samples (94,3%) with the highest percentages (> 30%) of positive cells detected in 8 cases. A statistically significant (p = 0,012) increase of beta HPV presence was detected in p16INK4a strongly positive samples, in particular of species 2. pAkt expression was detected in all tumor samples with only 2 cases showing rare positive cells, whereas Akt2 expression was found in 14 out of 35 BCC (40%); in particular in HPV positive samples over-expressing p16INK4a.ConclusionsOur data show that p16INK4a and pAkt are over-expressed in BCC and that the high expression of p16INK4a and of Akt2 isoform is often associated with the presence of beta-HPV species 2 (i.e. HPV 15). The association of these viruses with the up-regulation of p16INK4a and Akt/PI3K pathway suggests that in a subtype of BCC these viruses may exert a role in the carcinogenesis or in other, still undefined, biological property of these tumors. If this particular type of BCC reflects a different biology it will remain undisclosed until further studies on a larger number of samples will be performed.

The 2010 Italian Euromelanoma Day produced good results in terms of melanoma detection/suspicion rates, likely due to the extensive use of full clinical and dermoscopic examinations. The campaign failed to attract many high-risk individuals. Targeted communication strategies are needed to this regard.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, accounting for 20% of all cutaneous malignancies, and has an increasing incidence in the elderly as well as in the younger population. Although most cSCC is treated with simple therapeutic procedures, advanced cSCC can lead a significant risk for morbidity, negative impact on quality of life, and death. Proper management includes distinguishing between high-risk and low-risk lesions and determining treatment accordingly. A collaboration of multidisciplinary Italian experts has given birth to these recommendations on cSCC diagnosis and management, based on a critical review of the literature, existing European (EADO-EDF-EORTC) guidelines and the expert's experience. Topics covered include diagnostic path and histopathologic assessment, tumor staging, surgical and nonsurgical procedures, follow-up and management of localized and advanced disease.

Communication clarity was associated with patient-reported outcomes and adherence beyond AK-related clinical parameters. Our study questions the current episodic approach to AK management and provides the rationale to develop chronic care models fostering patients' engagement and treatment alliance.