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Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies
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Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 13098

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Simion Cotoi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pathophysiology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
Interests: pathology; dermatopathology; lung pathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin cancer is a pressing global health concern with increasing incidence rates, and this Special Issue aims to provide a platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and knowledge in this field. Our objective is to collect a diverse range of research articles, reviews, and original contributions that address various aspects of skin cancer, including its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, novel therapies, and prevention strategies.

We invite contributions from researchers, clinicians, scientists, and pathologists to submit their work on topics such as melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, risk factors, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and emerging technologies. Our goal is to foster a multidisciplinary approach, promoting collaboration between experts in dermatology, oncology, genetics, molecular biology, and pathology.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to advance our knowledge of skin cancer, ultimately contributing to better diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive measures. We look forward to receiving high-quality research papers and reviews that will shed light on the intricacies of skin cancer and pave the way for improved patient care and outcomes.

Many thanks.

Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • skin cancer
  • melanoma
  • non-melanoma
  • immunotherapy
  • cutaneous malignancies
  • targeted therapy
  • early detection

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
Feasibility and Impact of Embedding an Extended DNA and RNA Tissue-Based Sequencing Panel for the Routine Care of Patients with Advanced Melanoma in Spain
by Natalia Castrejon, Roberto Martin, Antonio Carrasco, Paola Castillo, Adriana Garcia, Raquel Albero-González, Mireia García, Marta Marginet, Núria Palau, Mónica Hernández, Carla Montironi, Guillem Clot, Ana Arance, Llucia Alos and Cristina Teixido
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136942 - 25 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
Targeted NGS allows a fast and efficient multi-gene analysis and the detection of key gene aberrations in melanoma. In this study, we aim to describe the genetic alterations in a series of 87 melanoma cases using the oncomine focus assay (OFA), relate these [...] Read more.
Targeted NGS allows a fast and efficient multi-gene analysis and the detection of key gene aberrations in melanoma. In this study, we aim to describe the genetic alterations in a series of 87 melanoma cases using the oncomine focus assay (OFA), relate these results with the clinicopathological features of the patients, and compare them with our previous study results in which we used a smaller panel, the oncomine solid tumor (OST) DNA kit. Patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma at our center from 2020 to 2022 were included and DNA and RNA were extracted for sequencing. Common mutated genes were BRAF (29%), NRAS (28%), ALK, KIT, and MAP2K1 (5% each). Co-occurring mutations were detected in 29% of the samples, including BRAF with KIT, CTNNB1, EGFR, ALK, HRAS, or MAP2K1. Amplifications and rearrangements were detected in 5% of cases. Only BRAF mutation showed a significant statistical association with sun exposure. For patients with a given genetic profile, the melanoma survival and recurrence-free survival rates were equivalent, but not for stage and LDH values. This expanded knowledge of molecular alterations has helped to more comprehensively characterize our patients and has provided relevant information for deciding the best treatment strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies)
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18 pages, 7504 KiB  
Article
Pathophysiology, Histopathology, and Differential Diagnostics of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma—An Update from the Pathologist’s Point of View
by Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz, Maria Cătălina Popelea, Raluca Niculescu, Andrei Manea, Adrian-Horațiu Sabău, Andreea-Cătălina Tinca, Andreea Raluca Szoke, Corina Eugenia Budin, Adina Stoian, Silviu Horia Morariu, Titiana Cornelia Cotoi, Maria-Elena Cocuz and Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042220 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5537
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the most frequently occurring non-melanocytic skin cancers. The objective of our study is to present the pathophysiology of BCC and cSCC and its direct relationship with the histopathological diagnostics and the differential [...] Read more.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the most frequently occurring non-melanocytic skin cancers. The objective of our study is to present the pathophysiology of BCC and cSCC and its direct relationship with the histopathological diagnostics and the differential diagnostics of these types of cancer, based on the morphological characteristics, immunohistochemical profile, and genetic alterations. The qualitative study was based on emphasizing the morphological characteristics and immunohistochemistry profiles of BCC and cSCC and the differential diagnostics based on the tissue samples from the Clinical Pathology Department of Mures Clinical County Hospital between 2020 and 2022. We analyzed the histopathological appearances and immunohistochemical profiles of BCC and cSCC in comparison with those of Bowen disease, keratoacanthoma, hyperkeratotic squamous papilloma, metatypical carcinoma, pilomatricoma, trichoblastoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS), and melanoma. Our study showed the importance of the correct histopathological diagnosis, which has a direct impact on the appropriate treatment and outcome for each patient. The study highlighted the histopathological and morphological characteristics of NMSCs and the precursor lesions in HE and the immunohistochemical profile for lesions that may make the differential diagnosis difficult to establish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies)
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Review

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11 pages, 609 KiB  
Review
Grover’s Disease Association with Cutaneous Keratinocyte Cancers: More than a Coincidence?
by Roxana Nedelcu, Alexandra Dobre, Gabriela Turcu, Razvan Andrei, Elena Balasescu, Florentina Pantelimon, Mihaela David-Niculescu, Adina Dobritoiu, Raluca Radu, Georgiana Roxana Zaharia, Ionela Hulea, Alice Brinzea, Lorena Manea, Mihaela Gherghiceanu and Daniela Ion
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179713 - 8 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1764
Abstract
Better mechanistic understanding of desmosome disruption and acantholysis in Grover’s disease (GD) may improve management of this disease. Recent molecular studies highlighted promising pathways to be explored by directly comparing GD and selected features of associated skin diseases. The association between GD and [...] Read more.
Better mechanistic understanding of desmosome disruption and acantholysis in Grover’s disease (GD) may improve management of this disease. Recent molecular studies highlighted promising pathways to be explored by directly comparing GD and selected features of associated skin diseases. The association between GD and cutaneous keratinocyte carcinomas, the most prevalent non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), is not completely characterized. To review the medical literature regarding GD-associated cutaneous keratinocyte cancers, focusing on molecular features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and disease associations, to help guide future research and patient management. GD has been associated with a variety of skin conditions, but its association with skin cancers has been rarely reported. Between 1983 and 2024, only nine scientific papers presented data supporting this association. Interestingly, we found that GD may mimic multiple NMSCs, as few authors reported GD cases misdiagnosed as multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas for more than 4 years or the presence of superficial basal cell carcinoma-like areas associated with focal acantholysis. In conclusion: (a) GD may be an imitator of multiple NMSCs, and (b) the relationship between GD and NMSCs may reveal promising pathways for the mechanistic understanding of desmosome disruption and acantholysis in GD and may even lead to its reclassification as a distinctive syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies)
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20 pages, 793 KiB  
Review
Skin Malignant Melanoma and Matrix Metalloproteinases: Promising Links to Efficient Therapies
by Angela Madalina Lazar, Daniel Ovidiu Costea, Cristiana Gabriela Popp and Bogdan Mastalier
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147804 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1853
Abstract
Skin malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most frequent and aggressive neoplasia worldwide. Its associated high mortality rates are mostly due to its metastases, while diagnosis and treatment of MM in its early stages is of favorable prognostic. Even skin superficial MMs [...] Read more.
Skin malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most frequent and aggressive neoplasia worldwide. Its associated high mortality rates are mostly due to its metastases, while diagnosis and treatment of MM in its early stages is of favorable prognostic. Even skin superficial MMs at incipient local stages can already present with lymph node invasion and distant metastases. Therefore, knowledge of the controllable risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms of MM development, spreading, and metastatic pattern, as well as early diagnosis, are essential to decrease the high mortality rates associated with cutaneous malignant melanoma. Genetic factors are incriminated, although lifetime-acquired genetic mutations appear to be even more frequently involved in the development of MM. Skin melanocytes divide only twice per year and have time to accumulate genetic mutations as a consequence of environmental aggressive factors, such as UV exposure. In the search for more promising therapies, matrix metalloproteinases have become of significant interest, such as MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13, which have been linked to more aggressive forms of cancer and earlier metastases. Therefore, the development of specific synthetic inhibitors of MMP secretion or activity could represent a more promising and effective approach to the personalized treatment of MM patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Skin Cancer Pathology: From Pathogenesis to Precision Therapies)
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