The Role of General Practitioners in Actinic Keratosis Management in Europe: A Dermato-Oncologists Initiative
Ulrich C, Heppt M, Argenziano G, Fargnoli MC, Ferrándiz-Pulido C, Jouary T, Lallas A, Martins C, Mosterd K, Saiag P, Bégeault N, Crespo-Cruz A (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 15
Article Number: 6467
Journal Issue: 16
DOI: 10.3390/jcm15166467
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Actinic keratosis (AK) is the key precursor of invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Rising incidence, ageing populations, and limited dermatologists’ availability, particularly in rural and underserved regions, underscore the need for more inclusive care pathways. As in other common diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, general practitioners (GPs) could play a pivotal role in improving access, early recognition, and management of AK, provided that systemic barriers are addressed. Methods: This article synthesises current evidence and expert insights from a European multi-country advisory process, focusing on Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Greece. The advisory board comprised dermatologists selected based on their clinical expertise and national representativeness, and consensus was reached through structured discussion and iterative review of background materials. Results/Conclusions: The study outlines unmet needs, barriers, and enablers for GPs’ involvement and proposes a structured strategy supported by consensus recommendations. It offers a pragmatic model for improving AK care through stronger collaboration between primary care and dermatology. Greater GPs’ involvement may support earlier recognition, better triage, improved access to care, and more efficient use of specialist services, while ensuring that complex or high-risk lesions remain under dermatologists’ oversight. This may help optimise AK care pathways across Europe.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Vall d'Hebron University Hospital / Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron
Spain (ES)
Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Dijon Bourgogne
France (FR)
Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo
Portugal (PT)
Maastricht University
Netherlands (NL)
CMB Collegium Medicum Berlin GmbH
Germany (DE)
Università degli studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
Italy (IT)
San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS (ISG)
Italy (IT)
Pierre Fabre S.A
France (FR)
Spain (ES)
Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Dijon Bourgogne
France (FR)
Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo
Portugal (PT)
Maastricht University
Netherlands (NL)
CMB Collegium Medicum Berlin GmbH
Germany (DE)
Università degli studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
Italy (IT)
San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS (ISG)
Italy (IT)
Pierre Fabre S.A
France (FR)
How to cite
APA:
Ulrich, C., Heppt, M., Argenziano, G., Fargnoli, M.C., Ferrándiz-Pulido, C., Jouary, T.,... Crespo-Cruz, A. (2026). The Role of General Practitioners in Actinic Keratosis Management in Europe: A Dermato-Oncologists Initiative. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 15(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15166467
MLA:
Ulrich, Claas, et al. "The Role of General Practitioners in Actinic Keratosis Management in Europe: A Dermato-Oncologists Initiative." Journal of Clinical Medicine 15.16 (2026).
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