Keratinocyte carcinomas in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Dec;91(6):1125-1135. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.07.1520. Epub 2024 Aug 23.

Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk for keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) however, the long-term incidence of single and multiple KC is not well established.

Objective: Identify risk factors and quantify KC cumulative incidence and multiple-incidence burden in CCS.

Methods: KC were identified among Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants, a cohort of 5-year cancer survivors diagnosed <21 years of age between 1970 and 1999 in North America. Cumulative incidence was estimated and multivariable models assessed relative rates of KC associated with survivor and treatment characteristics.

Results: Among 25,658 participants, 1446 developed 5363 KC (93.5% basal cell carcinoma, 6.7% squamous cell carcinoma; mean age 37.0 years (range 7.3-67.4), mean latency 25.7 years; 95.3% White and 88.4% with radiotherapy). Mean lesion count was 3.7 with 26.1% experiencing ≥4. Radiotherapy imparted a 4.5-fold increase in the rate of any KC and 9.4-fold increase in the rate of ≥4 KC. Allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant were associated with a 3.4- and 2.3-fold increased rate of KC, respectively.

Limitations: Participant self-reporting of some data including race without skin phototype and past medical history may have impacted analysis.

Conclusions: The burden of KC in CCS remains high, but predictable risk factors should guide screening.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; hematopoietic stem cell transplant; keratinocyte carcinoma; nonmelanoma skin cancer; radiation therapy; squamous cell carcinoma; survivorship.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cancer Survivors* / statistics & numerical data
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell* / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell* / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Keratinocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • North America / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Young Adult