Origin of Merkel Cell Carcinomas No Longer Murky
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Eight of 10 Merkel cell tumors tested showed the presence of a novel polyomavirus.
Piecing Together p53
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A synthetic agent had tumor-preventive and tumor-reductive effects in a murine study of UVB-induced tumors.
Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type: The Bad Actor in the Group
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In this aggressive lymphoma subtype, combined chemotherapy and rituximab treatment was associated with better outcomes.
By Angelica Selim, MD
January 11, 2008
Covering:
Grange F et al., Arch Dermatol 2007 Sep; 143:1144
Cancer Genes — Complexity Clarified and Multiplied
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Identifying the pertinent gene mutations in specific cancers may lead to expanded treatment options.
Lurking Lymphomas in Random Biopsies
Dermatology Summary and Comment
When intravascular B-cell lymphoma is suspected, biopsy samples of apparently normal tissue can provide diagnostic information.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
January 11, 2008
Covering:
Asada N et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2007 Dec; 82:1525
Obesity and Cancer in Women
Cardiology Summary and Comment
New evidence from the Million Women Study finds increased risk for six cancers not previously associated with high BMI.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
January 9, 2008
Covering:
Reeves GK et al., BMJ 2007 Dec 1; 335:1134
Folic Acid May Prevent Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Polymorphisms in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene suggest a possible benefit from supplementation.
Melanoma Risk: What Lies Beneath the Surface?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
History of endometriosis or uterine fibromas was associated with higher risk for melanoma.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
December 6, 2007
Covering:
Kvaskoff M et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 Oct 22; 167:2061
Biologic Therapies Appear to Increase Skin Cancer Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Dermatology Summary and Comment
RA patients receiving these agents had higher rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
November 30, 2007
Covering:
Wolfe F and Michaud K., Arthritis Rheum 2007 Sep; 56:2886
Endometriosis History Linked to Increased Melanoma Risk
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Patients with a history of endometriosis or uterine fibromas may benefit from annual skin exams.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
November 21, 2007
Covering:
Kvaskoff M et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 Oct 22; 167:2061
Another Reason to Get Your Vegetables
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Topically applied broccoli sprout extract protected against UV light damage.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
November 9, 2007
Covering:
Talalay P et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007 Oct 30; 104:17500
Photodynamic Therapy vs. Excision for BCC
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy of BCCs produced too little response and too many recurrences.
By George J. Hruza, MD
October 19, 2007
Covering:
Rhodes LE et al., Arch Dermatol 2007 Sep; 143:1131
Imiquimod for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinomas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Although effective for superficial tumors, imiquimod does not go far enough for nodular BCCs.
By George J. Hruza, MD
October 19, 2007
Covering:
Eigentler TK et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 Oct; 57:616
Going with the Flow
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Should flow cytometry be part of our future work-up for mycosis fungoides?
By Angelica Selim, MD
October 19, 2007
Covering:
Oshtory S et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 Sep; 57:454
Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis: Dyscrasia or Not?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Phenotypic and molecular profiles support classification of PPD as a cutaneous T-cell lymphoid dyscrasia.
By Angelica Selim, MD
September 28, 2007
Covering:
Magro CM et al., Am J Clin Pathol 2007 Aug; 128:218
The Buzz About Caffeine
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Makes you smarter and thinner — and protects against cancer?
By Jonathan Silver, MD
September 24, 2007
Covering:
Ritchie K et al., Neurology 2007 Aug 7; 69:536
Lu Y-P et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007 Jul 31; 104:12936
FDA Considers Changes in Labeling for Sunscreen Products
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Among these, a new rating system for UVA protection and a rise in the allowable SPF
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
September 14, 2007
Covering:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).,
How Does Inflammation Cause Skin Cancers?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Observations and controlled animal studies suggest that chronic inflammation induces SCCs; we may now know a bit more about how.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
August 10, 2007
Covering:
Nibbs RJB et al., J Clin Invest 2007 Jul 2; 117:1884-92
Differentiating Atypical Vascular Lesions from Angiosarcomas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Definitive surface features for distinguishing between the two entities are elusive; deep biopsy is necessary.
By Angelica Selim, MD
August 3, 2007
Covering:
Mattoch IW et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 Jul; 57:126-33
From Rash to Nodule: Cutaneous Metastasis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Immunostaining helped to identify lesions as metastatic when the clinical picture was confusing.
By Angelica Selim, MD
August 3, 2007
Covering:
Sariya D et al., Arch Dermatol 2007 May; 143:613-20
Rituximab Treatment for Dermatomyositis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Muscle strength improved, but its effects on cutaneous manifestations were disappointing.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
June 22, 2007
Covering:
Chung L et al., Arch Dermatol 2007 Jun; 143:763-7
Looking Far Afield . . .
Interesting and amusing notes from the borderlands of dermatology
By Lowell A. Goldsmith, MD, MPH
June 22, 2007
Adjuvant Therapy for High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Retinoids and interferon-alfa failed to provide benefit to patients with aggressive SCCs.
By George J. Hruza, MD
May 25, 2007
Covering:
Brewster AM et al., J Clin Oncol 2007 May 20; 25:1974-8
Melanoma in Children
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
It’s inherently different from melanoma in adults.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
May 18, 2007
Covering:
Lange JR et al., J Clin Oncol 2007 Apr 10; 25:1363-8
Looking Far Afield . . .
Interesting and amusing notes from the borderlands of dermatology
By Lowell A. Goldsmith, MD, MPH
May 18, 2007
