When a Marker Can Steer You Wrong
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
Clinical history is vital for distinguishing a new variant of lymphomatoid papulosis from the primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma it resembles.
By Angelica Selim, MD
January 14, 2011
Covering:
Saggini A et al., Am J Surg Pathol 2010 Aug; 34:1168
Do Tans Protect Against Sun Damage?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
The tanning bed–induced "base tan" does not protect against DNA injury.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
January 7, 2011
Covering:
Miyamura Y et al., Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2010 Oct 6
Widespread Use of Indoor Tanning by Adults
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Age is no guarantee of wisdom.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
January 7, 2011
Covering:
Choi K et al., Arch Dermatol 2010 Dec; 146:1356
Chemical Peels May Prevent Skin Cancers
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Tumor formation was delayed and reduced in mice treated with chemical peeling agents after exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
January 7, 2011
Covering:
Abdel-Daim M et al., J Dermatol Sci 2010 Oct; 60:21
Melanoma Stem Cells: Needle in the Haystack, or Mostly Hay?
Efforts to identify and study cells capable of initiating melanomas remain controversial.
Physician Assistants and Mohs Surgery
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Surgeons who reported PA participation describe their role as supportive.
Vitamin D and Cancer Mortality: Not to Be Taken Lightly
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
The association is not clear-cut, according to an assessment of data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
December 10, 2010
Covering:
Freedman DM et al., Cancer Res 2010 Nov 1; 70:8587
COX2 Inhibition and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Celecoxib recipients had fewer basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas than placebo recipients, but long-term safety is unknown.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
December 10, 2010
Covering:
Elmets CA et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2010 Nov 29
Meyskens FL Jr and McLaren CE., J Natl Cancer Inst 2010 Nov 29
Seeing the Light in Ocular Melanoma
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
Activation of the pathway involving two similar genes appears to contribute to the development of uveal melanoma.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
November 17, 2010
Covering:
Van Raamsdonk CD et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Nov 17
Herlyn M and Nathanson KL., N Engl J Med 2010 Nov 17
Immune Responses in Polymorphic Light Eruption: A Double-Edged Sword
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Ultraviolet radiation usually causes an immunosuppressive response that is muted in patients with PLE, which could protect them from skin cancer.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
November 12, 2010
Covering:
Koulu LM et al., J Invest Dermatol 2010 Nov; 130:2578
MelaFindings
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
The MelaFind handheld multispectral dermoscope assists in the evaluation of pigmented lesions.
How Satisfied Are Residents with Their Training in Procedural Dermatology?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Residents are performing more hands-on procedures than in the recent past, and about half were very satisfied with their experience.
How Do Infection Control Practices in Mohs Surgery Affect the Infection Rate?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
Results of two recent studies conflict, but a higher level of sterility may probably be reserved for repairs involving flaps.
By George J. Hruza, MD
October 22, 2010
Covering:
Martin JE et al., Dermatol Surg 2010 Oct; 36:1529
Rogers HD et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2010 Nov; 63:842
Does Ulceration Predict Response of Melanoma to Interferon?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Disease-free survival was better in patients with ulcerated melanoma.
Utility or Futility — Chest X-Rays for Melanoma Surveillance
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Routine chest radiography conveys no benefit.
Lycopene from Tomatoes and Photoprotection
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
After 12 weeks of eating tomato paste, women had slightly diminished erythemal reactions to ultraviolet radiation.
The Deep End
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Dermatologists excised invasive melanoma to different depths than oncologists and surgeons.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
October 8, 2010
Covering:
DeFazio JL et al., Arch Dermatol 2010 Sep; 146:995
Do Tans in the Can Keep Us out of the Sun and Salon?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Researchers found conflicting results in users of sunless tanning products.
By Alan C. Geller, MPH, RN
October 8, 2010
Covering:
Cokkinides VE et al., Arch Dermatol 2010 Sep; 146:987
Pagoto SL et al., Arch Dermatol 2010 Sep; 146:979
Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Primary or Secondary?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Primary cutaneous MZL has an indolent course, and histopathologic findings can help to differentiate between disease types.
By Angelica Selim, MD
September 17, 2010
Covering:
Gerami P et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2010 Jul; 63:142
BRAF and Melanoma: Taking It Personally
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
More than 80% of melanoma patients with an activating mutation in <$EMPH_O>BRAF<$EMPH_C> responded to treatment with PLX4032.
By Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
August 25, 2010
Covering:
Flaherty KT et al., N Engl J Med 2010 Aug 26; 363:809
Smalley KSM and Sondak VK., N Engl J Med 2010 Aug 26; 363:876
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer and Second Malignancies: What Is the Risk?
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
A meta-analysis identified increased risk for some cancers in patients with NMSC.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
August 20, 2010
Covering:
Wheless L et al., Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010 Jul; 19:1686
Elastin: A Tool for Answering Another Important Question in Melanoma
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Elastin staining effectively showed differences between regressed melanoma and scars resulting from past procedures.
Fighting Warts with Wart Vaccine
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Repeat vaccinations appeared to provide effective treatment of early vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia with small lesions.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
August 13, 2010
Covering:
Welters MJP et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010 Jun 29; 107:11895
The Melanoma Stem Cell Controversy Continues
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
Melanoma-initiating cells that express CD271 may be unaffected by antimelanoma immunotherapy.
Health Effects of Vitamin D: The "D"-bate Goes On
Dermatology
Summary and Comment
Free
Does vitamin D deficiency itself underlie the association with cognitive decline (and other conditions), or does it reflect an unhealthy lifestyle?
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
July 23, 2010
Covering:
Llewellyn DJ et al., Arch Intern Med 2010 Jul 12; 170:1135
Grey A et al., Arch Intern Med 2010 Jul 12; 170:1099