Non-melanoma skin cancer: pathogenesis and mechanisms

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) constitute the major fraction of tumours encountered in the Western world. Currently, no mechanism-based treatments exist for either of the major tumour types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Yet, recent findings shed light on underlying genetic alterations and allow a more detailed picture of the pathogenesis of NMSCs. Potential molecular targets for pharmacological intervention are emerging and novel strategies for future specific molecular therapies are now being explored.