Angiogenesis as a predictive parameter for the development of invasive squamous cell carcinoma

Actinic keratosis (AK) is an in situ carcinoma of the skin affecting up to 50% of persons over 40. Some instances evolve into invasive cancer, but it is difficult to predict which lesions are at risk. We are performing a prospective study to test the hypothesis that the amount of angiogenesis within lesions is an independent parameter that can help predict lesions at risk.