ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore scientific advances related to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), with emphasis on risk factors, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches, as well as prevention strategies for this pathology. Methodology: This systematic review was based on the following guiding question: What are the recent advances in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, considering the associated risk factors? To this end, searches were performed in the PubMed database, using specific descriptors combined with the Boolean term "AND". The process resulted in the selection of 8 relevant articles, which were analyzed in detail for this review. Results: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, is characterized by varied risk factors, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, smoking, and obesity. Diagnosis is largely guided by staging systems such as AJCC-8 and BWH, which help stratify cases according to risk. Molecular advances have revealed important epigenetic and genetic mechanisms, such as mutations in TP53 and CDKN2A genes, as well as the use of hyaluronic acid as a potential therapeutic tool. Immunotherapy and new targeted therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promising results in the management of advanced cases. In prevention, strategies such as systemic photoprotection, with the use of nicotinamide and Polypodium leucotomos, in addition to healthy eating habits, have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of developing cSCC. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of future research to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cSCC and to evaluate the efficacy of new therapeutic and preventive approaches in the long term. Such advances have the potential to reduce mortality and significantly improve the quality of life of patients.