The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in Organ Transplant Recipients

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common malignancy in immunesuppressed organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Whilst rates of other malignancies (both cutaneous and non-cutaneous) are elevated in this population, the increase is far less striking. This suggests that cSCC must be a highly immunogenic tumor. The tumor immune microenvironment is altered in cSCC from OTRs. It has reduced anti-tumor properties and instead provides an environment that facilitates tumor growth and survival. Understanding the composition and function of the tumor immune microenvironment in cSCC from OTRs is useful for prognostication and therapeutic decisions.