Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are primarily caused by solar UV exposure and represent the most common cancers in the United States. PRPK (p53-related protein kinase) is a protein kinase that is involved in multiple cancers, including colon cancer, myeloma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we generated epidermal-specific PRPK-knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in SKH1 hairless mice with loxP-flanked PRPK alleles, crossed with keratin 14-Cre (K14.Cre) mice. Our findings reveal that epidermal-specific deletion of PRPK significantly suppresses tumor growth in solar-simulated light-induced nonmelanoma skin cancer. Knocking down PRPK significantly suppresses cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell growth by inducing G1 phase arrest and promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, PRPK deletion inhibits proliferating cell nuclear antigen and PD-L1 expression as well as the expression of transcription factors c-Myc, c-Jun, NF-κB, and activator protein-1, which mediate PD-L1 expression. Using a 3-dimensional culture system, we further demonstrate that PRPK deletion suppresses cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis indicates that PRPK deletion enhances CD8 T-cell infiltration. This is accompanied by significant reductions in IL-6, MIP-2, and VEGF levels, reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to support CD8 T-cell infiltration. In summary, our study demonstrates that PRPK deletion suppresses solar UV-induced photocarcinogenesis by inhibiting PD-L1 expression and enhancing CD8 T-cell infiltration, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for nonmelanoma skin cancer.

PURPOSE: As accelerated partial breast irradiation is gaining widespread acceptance for low-risk breast cancers treated with breast conservation, its role following oncoplastic surgery remains controversial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a prospective phase 2 trial of women aged 50 and older who were estrogen receptor positive with stage 0 to 1 breast cancer measuring ≤3 cm following successful lumpectomy with optional oncoplastic reconstruction. Patients were treated on the Varian Edge radiosurgery system to a prescribed dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions, and the primary endpoints were feasibility and safety. Patient-reported cosmesis was assessed using the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale validated instrument. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2022, 50 patients with 52 tumors with a median age of 76 were enrolled, including 79% invasive breast cancer with 48% undergoing oncoplastic reconstruction. With a median follow-up of 47 months, long-term patient-reported cosmesis was excellent in 89% of patients and good in 11% of patients. All patients were locally controlled, but there were 2 ipsilateral breast events consisting of an intramammary lymph node failure and second primary triple-negative breast cancer outside the radiation field, both successfully salvaged with further local and systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients with low-risk early-stage breast cancer, patients treated with a 5-fraction regimen of partial breast irradiation achieve excellent cosmetic and oncological outcomes. Oncoplastic reconstruction was not a contraindication to partial breast irradiation.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common progressive hair loss disorder driven by elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, leading to follicular miniaturization. This study investigated sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) as a potential oral therapy for AGA. BSE exhibited dose-dependent proliferative and migratory effects on keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and dermal papilla cells, showing greater in vitro activity than sulforaphane (SFN) and minoxidil under the tested conditions, while maintaining low cytotoxicity. In a testosterone-induced AGA mouse model, oral BSE significantly accelerated hair regrowth, with 20 mg/kg achieving 99% recovery by day 15, alongside increased follicle length, density, and hair weight. Mechanistically, BSE upregulated hepatic and dermal DHT-metabolizing enzymes (Akr1c21, Dhrs9) and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the skin, suggesting dual actions via androgen metabolism modulation and follicular regeneration. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed prolonged SFN plasma exposure following BSE administration, and in silico docking showed strong binding affinities of key BSE constituents to Akr1c2 and β-catenin. No systemic toxicity was observed in liver histology. These findings indicate that BSE may serve as a safe, effective, and multitargeted natural therapy for AGA. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its efficacy in human populations.