Next-generation sequencing identifies novel single nucleotide polymorphisms in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A pilot study

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) causes 1 million cases in the United States annually. There are germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in an increased risk of SCC and altered response to therapy. Premise: There may be biologically relevant SNPs not detected using traditional GWAS studies. Hypothesis: There are clinically and biologically relevant SNPs in high-risk SCC that may only be appreciated with next-generation sequencing. How to test hypothesis: We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on primary SCCs using a targeted mutation panel with 76 cancer-associated genes. We analysed the presence of SNPs in a cohort of 20 high-risk SCCs compared to the American population (AP) (dbSNP). Relevance and perspectives: Missense rs3822214 was present in significantly more SCC cases versus the AP. While the remainder is synonymous SNPs, there is growing evidence suggesting clinical relevance of these variants. A larger cohort to validate these findings would be useful.