Actinic Cheilitis - Do stem cells have a role in the management?

Abstract

Introduction: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a premalignant mucosal lip condition mainly affecting the lower lip with a high propensity of malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. There is no gold standard on the management of AC. However, early intervention for AC aims to minimise the risk of malignant transformation. Here, we report our experience of utilising nanofat grafting in the management of AC. Methodology: Retrospective data analysis was carried out from 2020 to 2024. Patients who were diagnosed with AC were treated with nanofat grafting. The nanofat preparation was harvested from the abdomen and prepared using Puregraft filtration system and nanofat was infiltrated into the lips into 2 layers. Outcomes were assessed clinically. Result(s): A total of seven patients were included in our analysis with a mean follow up of 23 months. All patients had previous treatment for AC such as topical 5-fluororacil, steroids, laser ablation and cryotherapy. Five of the seven patients received simultaneous nanofat grafting followed by erbium laser resurfacing in the same appointment and the rest had nanofat grafting after laser resurfacing. All 7 patients demonstrated no further cracks, ulcerations or erosions of the lips, with a good definition of the vermillion border following the procedure. All patients are symptom free. Conclusion(s): The combination therapy of nanofat and laser resurfacing provides an alternative minimally invasive solution to management of patients with persistent AC. We have formulated an algorithm towards the management of AC based on our experience.Copyright © 2025