Briefly Noted
Counseling patients at risk for melanoma, factors associated with malignancy in dermatomyositis, guidelines for safe use of methotrexate for psoriasis, and a new TNF-
Vitamin D and Health
Do we have enough? How do we get more? What systems are affected?
Oncogenic Lesions in Lentigines
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Researchers establish a genetic link between keratoses and lentigines, but not all mutations lead to cancer.
The Bottom Line on Acral Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
These tumors are not increasing in incidence as quickly as other melanomas, but they are associated with worse prognosis.
Mycosis Fungoides: Clusterin and Large-Cell Transformation
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The clusterin glycoprotein was found in most cases of MF with large-cell tumors.
By Angelica Selim, MD
April 17, 2009
Covering:
Chandra P et al., Am J Clin Pathol 2009 Apr; 131:511
Melanoma and Maternity
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Melanoma risk is higher than usual during pregnancy and the 6 months thereafter, but women with postcancer pregnancies have good survival rates.
Encouraging Intolerance
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Blocking CTLA4 can disrupt the development of tolerance and enhance the body’s antitumor efforts, but we have not yet found the right agents.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
April 3, 2009
Covering:
Weber JS et al., J Clin Oncol 2008 Dec 20; 26:5950
Camacho LH et al., J Clin Oncol 2009 Mar 1; 27:1075
Briefly Noted
Statins’ effect on nonmelanoma skin cancer, minocycline-induced drug hypersensitivity, anti-TNF-
Caffeine as a Photoprotective Agent
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Something to peruse over your morning cup of coffee
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
March 6, 2009
Covering:
Heffernan TP et al., J Invest Dermatol 2009 Feb 26
Ingenol Mebutate for Actinic Keratoses
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A plant extract traditionally used for skin disease in Australia may change our therapeutic approach to AKs.
By George J. Hruza, MD
February 27, 2009
Covering:
Siller G et al., Australas J Dermatol 2009 Feb; 50:16
USPSTF: Evidence Is Insufficient to Recommend Skin Cancer Screening
General Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The task force recognizes clinicians’ frustration with lack of guidance by the USPSTF when evidence is insufficient.
By Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, FACP, FASAM
February 17, 2009
Covering:
Wolff T et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Feb 3; 150:194
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force., Ann Intern Med 2009 Feb 3; 150:188
Petitti DB et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Feb 3; 150:199
The Cross-Paramedian Forehead Flap
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
A modification in flap orientation produced a good repair in large nasal defects and a better donor-site scar.
By George J. Hruza, MD
February 13, 2009
Covering:
Angobaldo J and Marks M., Plast Reconstr Surg 2009 Jan; 123:87
Mycosis Fungoides with Granulomas: One Story, Two Endings
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The granulomatous mycosis fungoides subtype requires aggressive care and surveillance.
By Angelica Selim, MD
February 6, 2009
Covering:
Kempf W et al., Arch Dermatol 2008 Dec; 144:1609
Screening for Skin Cancer: The Evidence Is Still Insufficient
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Randomized, controlled trials of sufficient size and scope are still needed.
By June K. Robinson, MD
February 3, 2009
Covering:
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force., Ann Intern Med 2009 Feb 3; 150:188
Wolff T et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Feb 3; 150:194
Long-Term Topical Tretinoin and Excess Mortality in Older Patients
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Topical tretinoin therapy was associated with increased mortality, but current evidence suggests a causal association is unlikely.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
January 30, 2009
Covering:
Weinstock MA et al., Arch Dermatol 2009 Jan; 145:18
Schilling LM and Dellavalle RP., Arch Dermatol 2009 Jan; 145:76
Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma: Two Retrospective Reviews
Dermatology Summary and Comment
These little-known tumors should be considered in middle-aged patients with solitary tumors located near the nails.
By Angelica Selim, MD
January 30, 2009
Covering:
Al-Daraji WI and Miettinen M., J Cutan Pathol 2008 Nov; 35:1020
Prescott RJ et al., Br J Dermatol 2008 Dec; 159:1315
Keeping an Eye on Ocular Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
An alternative route to activation of the MAP kinase pathway is identified, which suggests we need a different approach to some tumors.
ALK for Diagnosing ALCL: A Case with a Cautionary Note
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A subset of cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas is positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase, which complicates diagnosis.
By Angelica Selim, MD
January 16, 2009
Covering:
Kadin ME et al., Am J Surg Pathol 2008 Sep; 32:1421
CD30 Beyond Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A finding of large CD30+ cells is not restricted to the usual suspects.
By Angelica Selim, MD
January 9, 2009
Covering:
Werner B et al., J Cutan Pathol 2008 Dec; 35:1100
Mohs vs. Surgical Excision for High-Risk BCCs
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Mohs surgery is cost-effective for recurrent BCCs; margins wider than 3 mm are recommended for surgical excision.
By George J. Hruza, MD
December 19, 2008
Covering:
Mosterd K et al., Lancet Oncol 2008 Dec; 9:1149
New Dogma in Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In immunocompromised mice, many cancer cells had tumorigenic potential.
New Lamps, Old Issues: CFLs and Ultraviolet Radiation
Dermatology Summary and Comment
To avoid unsafe levels of UV exposure while saving energy, the right type of fluorescent bulb is essential.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
December 5, 2008
Covering:
Khazova M and O’Hagan JB., Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2008 ; 131:521
Lichen Aureus: Clonal Dermatosis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In this largest follow-up study of patients with lichen aureus, none had progressed to mycosis fungoides.
By Angelica Selim, MD
December 5, 2008
Covering:
Fink-Puches R et al., Arch Dermatol 2008 Sep; 144:1169
Specific Genetic Risk Factors for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Some genetic factors were specific risks for BCC and not for cutaneous melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Vitamin D and Actinic Keratoses
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Individual susceptibility to development of actinic keratoses is influenced, in part, by polymorphisms in the gene that encodes for the vitamin D receptor.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
October 24, 2008
Covering:
Carless MA et al., Br J Dermatol 2008 Sep; 159:804
Mocellin S and Nitti D., Cancer 2008 Nov; 113:2398
