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

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common malignancy in immune -suppressed organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Whilst rates of other malignancies (both cutaneous and non-cutaneous) are elevated in this population, the increase is far less strik-ing. 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. Understand-ing the composition and function of the tumor immune microenvironment in cSCC from OTRs is useful for prognostication and therapeutic decisions.