Epidermolysis Bullosa Commands Aggressive Tx

Retinoids have been proved to reduce SCCs in immunosuppressed patients. "We use them a lot in Australia in elderly people with multiple SCCs," said Dr. Murrell. In particular, isotretinoin and acitretin are both well tolerated.

One area of active research is the use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. EGFR is strongly expressed in metastatic SCCs of the skin. Cetuximab is indicated in the United States for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced SCC of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy, and in recurrent or metastatic SCC of the head and neck that progresses after platinum-based therapy.

Dr. Murrell reported that she has received financial support from Mölnlycke Health Care, which makes wound dressings.

This patient with recessive dystrophic EB and pseudosyndactyly did not attend regular follow-ups. She developed SCC on the right hand (above), and it had to be amputated.

Source ©Dr. Dedee F. Murrell