A UK Delphi consensus study on the definition and management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
11 affiliations
- 1Department of Oncology, Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- 2Department of Plastic Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- 3Department of Clinical Oncology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, UK
- 4Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- 5Department of Dermatology, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Crewe, UK
- 6Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- 7Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- 8Cancer Services, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Kent, UK
- 9Oxford Cancer Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- 10Department of Oncology, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, UK
- 11Department of Plastic Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
Abstract
Background: Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (acSCC) encompasses locally advanced and metastatic disease; however, no standardized definition exists. Recognition and categorization, therefore, often rely on multidisciplinary judgment, which may lead to variations in diagnosis and management between centers. This study aimed to establish United Kingdom (UK) consensus on the definition and optimal management of acSCC.
Methods: A modified Delphi methodology was followed. Ten senior clinicians formed a steering group and identified four key topics for consensus statement development surrounding the challenges of acSCC, disease definition, assessment, and optimal management. Forty-two consensus statements were developed and distributed via an online survey to UK clinicians experienced in acSCC care. Agreement was rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with consensus predefined as ≥75% agreement.
Results: A total of 130 responses were received from dermatologists, oncologists, surgeons, and clinical nurse specialists, among others. The consensus threshold was met for 39 of 42 statements (93%). A consensus definition, eight best-practice recommendations, and a treatment algorithm were developed.
Conclusion: This study provides a UK-derived definition of acSCC, addressing the current lack of agreed terminology. The study outputs may help standardize disease classification, reduce practice variation, and support more consistent management of acSCC across UK services.
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BibTeX
@article{challapalli2026delphi,
title = {{A UK Delphi consensus study on the definition and management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma}},
author = {Amarnath Challapalli and Amer Durrani and Grant Stewart and Heather Shaw and John Lear and Kate Fife and Kim Peate and Miranda Payne and Ricky Frazer and Jonathan Pollock},
journal = {Future Oncology},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1080/14796694.2026.2733721},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2026.2733721},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A UK Delphi consensus study on the definition and management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
AU - Amarnath Challapalli
AU - Amer Durrani
AU - Grant Stewart
AU - Heather Shaw
AU - John Lear
AU - Kate Fife
AU - Kim Peate
AU - Miranda Payne
AU - Ricky Frazer
AU - Jonathan Pollock
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/17
JO - Future Oncology
DO - 10.1080/14796694.2026.2733721
UR - https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2026.2733721
AB - Background: Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (acSCC) encompasses locally advanced and metastatic disease; however, no standardized definition exists. Recognition and categorization, therefore, often rely on multidisciplinary judgment, which may lead to variations in diagnosis and management between centers. This study aimed to establish United Kingdom (UK) consensus on the definition and optimal management of acSCC. Methods: A modified Delphi methodology was followed. Ten senior clinicians formed a steering group and identified four key topics for consensus statement development surrounding the challenges of acSCC, disease definition, assessment, and optimal management. Forty-two consensus statements were developed and distributed via an online survey to UK clinicians experienced in acSCC care. Agreement was rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with consensus predefined as ≥75% agreement. Results: A total of 130 responses were received from dermatologists, oncologists, surgeons, and clinical nurse specialists, among others. The consensus threshold was met for 39 of 42 statements (93%). A consensus definition, eight best-practice recommendations, and a treatment algorithm were developed. Conclusion: This study provides a UK-derived definition of acSCC, addressing the current lack of agreed terminology. The study outputs may help standardize disease classification, reduce practice variation, and support more consistent management of acSCC across UK services.
SN - 1479-6694
SN - 1744-8301
ER -