Scots team in skin cancer research breakthrough

The rise in skin cancer diagnoses in Scotland over the past 20 years has led researchers to uncover a common underlying cause in one of the most widespread forms of the disease.

The rate of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), a potentially devastating form of the disease, is rapidly rising and has more than doubled in Scotland over the last 20 years.

In order to gain a fuller picture of the processes driving CSCC, the research team from the University of Dundee and the Beatson Institute in Glasgow examined the cell type from which they originate.

By genetically sequencing human tumours, they were able to demonstrate inactivating mutations of two genes, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2, occurring at relatively high frequency.

Analysis of these mutations revealed that they commonly impair the effects of Tgf-alpha signalling, a key tumour suppressor pathway in skin cells.

Dr Gareth Inman, of the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine, said: “Less is understood about the specific mechanisms that drive the formation of this particular form of skin cancer.

“Ultimately, the effect of this is a restricted number of treatment options that are available for patients with advanced forms of disease.

“We are really excited about our latest data. We are hopeful that we can make significant strides towards defining future novel therapeutics.”