Intended for healthcare professionals
CLINICAL PRACTICE

Clinical management of advanced skin cancer

Ian T Logan

BM MRCGP MRCP Derm Post CCT Fellow in Mohs and Advanced Dermatological Surgery. Cambridge University Hospitals

Heather Shaw

MBChB FRCP PhD Consultant Medical Oncologist, University College London Hospital

Conal M Perrett

MBChB FRCP(LON) PhD(LON) Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatological Surgeon University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

Advanced skin cancer may be defined by the presence of: invasion of the primary tumour to the fascia or beyond, large tumour size preventing primary excision, in-transit metastases, lymphatic tumour spread, or distant metastases.1-3

This article provides an overview of the clinical management of advanced skin cancer and describes the roles of radiotherapy and medical oncology. Expanding treatment options have improved clinical outcomes, most notably following the introduction of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in medical oncology.4,5 Advanced skin cancer treatment may be with either curative or palliative intent, depending on the physical status and wishes of the patient, and extent of the disease. Familiarity with clinical pathways and current treatment options allows the dermatologist to play an essential role in facilitating patient choice and care. A glossary of relevant oncological terms is provided in Table 1.

Dermatology in practice 2020; 26(2): 4–8
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Dermatology in practice was previously supported by Wyeth from 2008 to 2010, by Wyeth and Serono in 2007, by Wyeth and Shire from 2005 to 2006, by Medlock Medical in 2004 and by SSL International from 2001 to 2003.

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ISSN 0262-5504 (Print) ISSN 2049-8446 (Online)