Current Research

Research for skin cancer is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor.

Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is the use of a cream or other medication that may be combined with light or laser therapy to remove identified skin lesions.

Topical medications for actinic keratoses. Ongoing clinical trials of topical medications for use on actinic keratoses are being studied to prevent second cancers.

Imiquimod for superficial squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. Imiquimod is a type of immune response modifier in which the body uses its own immune system as a method of treatment.

EGFR Inhibitors for advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Many squamous cell carcinomas express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Several clinical trials are investigating whether drugs that inhibit EGFR are effective against advanced or metastatic disease.