Deleterious Effect of Radiation Therapy on Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis Patients

Abstract

Background: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare genodermatosis caused by specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types associated with the development of multiple squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The treatment for this skin tumour may be difficult. Among the therapy options, radiotherapy (RT) should be avoided due to its deleterious effects on HPV-induced carcinogenesis. Objective: To describe 4 patients with EV who underwent radiotherapy to treat cutaneous SCC. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The evolution of cutaneous SCC after adjuvant radiotherapy in 4 patients with EV was observed. Results: This study included 4 patients with diagnosis of EV. All 4 of the patients had cutaneous SCC. They underwent surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Over a period of up to 2 years, there was aggressive tumour recurrence. Conclusion: Radiotherapy might be associated with progression of SCC in patients with EV, and it is recommended that radiotherapy should be avoided in this patient population.