Molecular Profiling Approaches in cSCC

In this episode, “Molecular Profiling Approaches in cSCC,” the panelists explore the evolving role of tumor-based molecular approaches in refining risk stratification and guiding management decisions for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The expert faculty discuss how molecular profiling tools, including gene expression profiling (GEP), tumor mutational burden (TMB), PD-L1 expression, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are being incorporated into clinical practice to support more individualized patient care.

The panel highlights the growing use of the 40-gene expression profile test in identifying patients at increased risk for recurrence and metastasis, particularly those who may otherwise appear low risk based on traditional staging systems. The expert faculty discuss how GEP results may influence decisions regarding adjuvant radiation therapy, surveillance intervals, imaging, and multidisciplinary management. The discussion also explores how molecular profiling may support precision medicine approaches by helping clinicians identify which patients may benefit from more intensive monitoring or escalation of care, while potentially avoiding overtreatment in others.

Additionally, the panel reviews the current limitations and emerging applications of other molecular tools, including TMB, PD-L1 testing, and ctDNA, and discusses how evolving evidence may further shape risk assessment and treatment strategies in cSCC. The expert faculty emphasize the importance of integrating objective molecular data with clinicopathologic factors to support evidence-based and personalized management decisions.

The next episode in this series, “GEP Integration in cSCC,” features the panelists discussing the clinical interpretation of gene expression profiling results and how molecular tools may help refine prognostication, treatment planning, and long-term surveillance strategies in patients with cSCC.