Merkel Cell Virus
Dermatology Summary and Comment
We can now conclude that all Merkel cell carcinomas are caused by viral infection, likely associated with a compromised immune system.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
December 21, 2012
Covering:
Rodig SJ et al., J Clin Invest 2012 Dec 3; 122:4645
Lethal Melanomas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
The disproportionate impact of NMs on melanoma mortality may be explained by greater thickness at time of diagnosis.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Defective Apoptosis: Fas Pathway
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Some CTCL phenotypes were associated with resistance to apoptosis.
By Angelica Selim, MD
December 14, 2012
Covering:
Stutz N et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Dec; 67:1327.e1
Redheads Have More Sun (and Reactive Oxygen Species): A Surprising Link Between Melanin Production and Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Although linkage of melanoma risk to ultraviolet radiation exposure is beyond doubt, ultraviolet-radiation–independent events are likely to have a considerable role.
When Mohs Is Appropriate
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
2012 appropriate use criteria for Mohs micrographic surgery
By Murad Alam, MD, MSCI
November 16, 2012
Covering:
Ad Hoc Task Force et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Oct; 67:531
Mohs Is Better for DFSP
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A systematic review showed Mohs micrographic surgery was associated with fewer recurrences than wide excision for dermatofibrosarcoma.
By Murad Alam, MD, MSCI
November 16, 2012
Covering:
Foroozan M et al., Arch Dermatol 2012 Sep; 148:1055
Tanning Increases BCC in Young Adults — More Evidence
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Indoor tanners are much more likely than others to develop basal cell carcinoma before age 40; the risk is pronounced in young women.
By Murad Alam, MD, MSCI
November 16, 2012
Covering:
Ferrucci LM et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Oct; 67:552
Shady Doings
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is multidirectional — seeking shade is not enough.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
November 9, 2012
Covering:
Vernez D et al., Br J Dermatol 2012 Aug; 167:383
Nevi Are a Risk Factor for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Patients with multiple nevi have probably had considerable sun or tanning bed exposure and should be examined for BCC.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
October 19, 2012
Covering:
Richmond-Sinclair NM et al., J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2012 Sep; 26:1092
Better Together: Combining BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Prolonged Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
At their full monotherapy doses, the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib was effective and safe, despite some toxic effects.
Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma in Skin Folds with a Follicular Helper T-Cell Phenotype
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Eosinophils and B-cell lymphocytes in skin-fold tumors can signal a proliferation of follicular helper T cells.
By Angelica Selim, MD
October 12, 2012
Covering:
Gammon B and Guitart J., Arch Dermatol 2012 Sep 1; 148:1040
Parkinson Disease and Melanoma May Share a Genetic Link
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Reciprocal predispositions of parkinsonism and cancer demonstrate a strong association between these conditions.
The Long, Happy Life of the Halo Nevus
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Understanding the prolonged natural history of these nevi may help patients avoid worry and unnecessary excision.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
September 28, 2012
Covering:
Aouthmany M et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Oct; 67:582
Is SPECT/CT-Assisted Sentinel Lymph Node Excision Better Than Standard SLNE?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Adding single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography to standard SLNE led to improved detection of metastatic nodes and higher rates of disease-free survival.
Patients Taking Antihypertensive Drugs Show Increase in Lip Cancer
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ-triamterene, and nifedipine were associated with a higher incidence of lip cancer.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
August 30, 2012
Covering:
Friedman GD et al., Arch Intern Med 2012 Aug 6
Skin Cancer: Another Reason to Stop Smoking
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Current and ever smokers had increased risk for developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
August 30, 2012
Covering:
Leonardi-Bee J et al., Arch Dermatol 2012 Aug; 148:939
More Is More: Two New Studies Identify Gene Mutations in Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Sequencing identifies additional, though less prevalent, genes mutated in melanoma.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
August 24, 2012
Covering:
Hodis E et al., Cell 2012 Jul 20; 150:251
Krauthammer M et al., Nature Genet 2012 Jul 29
Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Increase Risk for Melanoma
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Free
Clinicians should keep prescribing these agents but should also counsel patients on their increased risk for melanoma.
By Douglas K. Rex, MD
August 24, 2012
Covering:
Long MD et al., Gastroenterology 2012 Aug; 143:390
Early Tanning Bed Use Raises Risk for Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
More than 5% of melanomas are caused by tanning bed use.
New Melanomas on BRAF Inhibitors
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Patients receiving selective <$EMPH_O>BRAF<$EMPH_C> inhibitors should be monitored for new or changing melanocytic lesions.
Inhibiting the Inhibitor: MDM4 as a Therapeutic Target in Cutaneous Melanoma
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Another strategy for restoring p53 function in melanoma emerges.
A New Pathway for Solar Ultraviolet Skin Inflammation
Dermatology Summary and Comment
UVB radiation damages noncoding RNA, affecting a receptor that is part of the innate immune system.
Sirolimus Protects Organ Transplant Recipients from Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Especially those who have had only one previous SCC.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
July 25, 2012
Covering:
Euvrard S et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Jul 26; 367:329
Turning Out the Lights on Tanning Bed Use Worldwide
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
A growing number of countries and U.S. states passed legislation to restrict access to tanning salons by young users.
Wrinkles Yes, Cancers No: Topical Tretinoin for Preventing NMSC
Dermatology Summary and Comment
No differences were observed between tretinoin and control groups in time to recurrence or other measures.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 20, 2012
Covering:
Weinstock MA et al., J Invest Dermatol 2012 Jun; 132:1583
