Advancements in Skin Cancer Treatment: How Multidisciplinary Care, Innovation Are Improving Outcomes

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the U.S., but advances in treatment are giving patients new hope — especially for aggressive or complex cases. At Baptist Health’s Lynn Cancer Institute, patients benefit from cutting-edge therapies and a collaborative care model that’s improving outcomes across the board.

To recognize Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, Michael Kasper, M.D., medical director of radiation oncology at the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, shares what patients should know about the evolving landscape of skin cancer treatment.

Types of Skin Cancer — and Why Treatment Varies

“Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and is usually the easiest to manage,” explains Dr. Kasper. “Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.”

Melanoma, though less common, is often more serious. “Malignant melanoma can be significantly more aggressive and is typically managed with wide local excision,” he says. “Immunotherapy and radiation therapy are sometimes used in advanced cases.”

He also notes Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but very aggressive cancer that requires a more intensive approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy.

The Power of a Team: Multidisciplinary Skin Cancer Clinics

“One of the most promising developments in managing advanced skin cancers is the use of a multidisciplinary team,” says Dr. Kasper. “At Lynn Cancer Institute, we’re fortunate to have an Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies Multimodality Clinic.”

Here, each patient’s case is reviewed by an entire team of skin cancer specialists. After reviewing medical history, imaging, and pathology, the patient may meet with:

• A surgical oncologist
• A plastic surgeon
• A medical oncologist
• A radiation oncologist
  ...and other team members, including psychosocial and dietary specialists, as needed.

Physicians leading care through this clinic include:

• Lloyd Berkowitz, M.D.
• Edgar Castillo D’Andreis, M.D.
• Hilary Gomolin, M.D.
• Harold Huss, M.D.
• Michael Kasper, M.D.

“This collaborative approach ensures each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs,” says Dr. Kasper.

How Immunotherapy Is Transforming Skin Cancer Care

The rise of immunotherapy and targeted therapies has dramatically changed the outlook for many patients with advanced disease.

“Patients who previously had very limited options now have relatively well-tolerated treatments that can produce remarkable responses,” says Dr. Kasper. “These therapies sometimes make it possible to follow up with surgery or radiation for a potential cure — something that wasn’t always possible before.”

Options Beyond Surgery: Treating with Precision and Compassion

While many skin cancers are caught early and treated by dermatologists using topical therapies, excision, or Mohs surgery, more complex cases benefit from multimodality care.

“Radiation therapy has evolved,” says Dr. Kasper. “Today, we have excellent options that can effectively cure the cancer with minimal or no long-term toxicity or scarring.”

That’s especially important for patients who may have delayed care due to fear of disfigurement or previous negative experiences.

Why Early Detection Still Matters Most

As with many cancers, early detection plays a critical role in treatment success.

“Catching skin cancer early often allows for more treatment options, with less aggressive and more curative interventions,” says Dr. Kasper. “Delays in diagnosis can limit those options and lower the chance of cure.”

Empowering Patients and Referring Physicians

Dr. Kasper encourages both patients and referring physicians to explore all available options.

“A referral to a multidisciplinary team can be extremely helpful,” he says. “Patients benefit from comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their treatment — and helps them feel supported every step of the way.”

For more information on our skin cancer treatments and team, please visit Skin Cancer | Lynn Cancer Institute | Baptist Health South Florida. I