Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas in a Long-Term Survivor of Childhood ALL and HSCT—A Call for Dermatologic Vigilance
(1) Background: Cutaneous secondary malignant neoplasms are a growing survivorship burden after pediatric cancers and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), yet skin-focused surveillance remains inconsistently implemented. (2) Objective: To synthesize current molecular dermatology insights relevant to prevention, early detection, and treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in high-risk survivors, while anchoring the discussion in a detailed case of multiple BCCs after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and HSCT. (3) Methods: Narrative review integrating clinical, dermoscopic, molecular, and translational data from recent high-impact studies; case retained in full. (4) Results: Radiation exposure (especially total body irradiation), prior immunosuppression, and persistent immune dysregulation synergize with ultraviolet mutagenesis to create a "field cancerization" state characterized by Hedgehog-pathway activation (Patched1/Smoothened), impaired Deoxyribonucleic Acid damage response, and stromal remodeling. Dermoscopy, when embedded in routine whole-body examinations, markedly improves accuracy for keratinocyte cancers. Chemoprevention (e.g., nicotinamide) and targeted therapies (hedgehog inhibitors; Programmed Death-1 blockade) represent key translational levers for care innovation. (5) Conclusions: Integrating structured dermatologic surveillance with molecularly informed prevention and therapy should be standard in survivorship pathways for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation/Radiotherapy-exposed patients.
Authors
- Daciana Elena Branisteanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0368-8694)
- Vlad Porumb (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0891-4857)
- Mihaela Paula Toader (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9838-836X)
- Gabriela Stoleriu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8211-505X)
- Emil Anton
- Ancuța Lupu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8147-3632)
- Cristina Colac-Boțoc
- Antonia Elena Huțanu
- Cristian Mârţu
- Elena Porumb-Andrese
- Gabriela Rusu-Zota
Institutions
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
- "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Life
- Published
- 2025-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010055
- Primary Topic
- Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00