Track

Case Reports

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer with common occurrence in the head and neck. The rate of metastasis is low for these tumors, yet potentially fatal. Prognosis of cSCC has been well-studied with several factors, but not with the cancer-testis antigen Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME). PRAME expressivity has been associated with significant decreased long-term survival in other forms of squamous cell carcinoma but is under reported in cSCC. We present a series of cases of individuals with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with PRAME positivity and a literature review to this date. Although only a subset of cSCC yields PRAME positivity, PRAME may be associated with increased aggression, grade, and worse prognosis in these malignancies. Further studies should be done to assess the extent of PRAME expression in cSCC and long-term outcomes of disease, and what novel therapies may target this subset of cSCC for early intervention.