Education

Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.

Stuff I Worry About: High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma and High-Risk Patients

Dr. Baum presented information about tumor- and patient-specific risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). First, Dr. Baum noted that the cSCC incidence in the US is increasing, with an estimated 180,000–520,000 new cases annually and a metastatic rate of 2–5%. Patients with bulky nodal disease have higher recurrence rates and lower overall survival…

In-Transit Melanoma Metastases

Dr. Baum described melanoma in-transit metastases (ITMs) and presented an overview of current treatments. Melanoma ITMs are lesions that develop between the primary tumor site and the draining nodal basin via lymphatic seeding, separate from spreading in the blood. ITMs occur in 5–10% of patients with melanoma and typically develop within 13–18 months. Fifty percent…

Cancer Overdiagnosis: A Dermatopathologist’s Perspective

Dr. Bennett shared his perspective on melanoma overdiagnosis and how to address the problem. First, Dr. Bennett advised dermatologists to be careful about the language they use to describe melanoma screening and diagnosis. “Overdiagnosis” means using current diagnostic criteria to correctly diagnose a condition that may not harm the patient. Overdiagnosis does not mean misdiagnosis….

Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

Dr. Craiglow presented about the use of oral minoxidil for hair loss disorders. First, Dr. Craiglow described the history of oral minoxidil treatment. Oral minoxidil was first used in patients with severe refractory hypertension, and hair growth was reported as a side effect. The exact mechanisms of oral minoxidil are unclear. It functions as a…

Big Medicines for Little People: Systemic Therapies in Pediatric Dermatology

Dr. Craiglow discussed systemic therapies for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis and shared tips for treating children. First, Dr. Craiglow emphasized the importance of patient experience in assessing the severity of disease. She suggested asking patients how much the disease affects their life on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 10 (ruins…

Vitiligo Treatment from the Iron Age to the Age of Biologics: New Hope for an Ancient Disease

Dr. Harris presented an overview of past and present treatments for vitiligo, including advances in vitiligo research and ongoing work to improve vitiligo treatment in the future. First, Dr. Harris described research that led to FDA approval of topical ruxolitinib for vitiligo. Dr. Harris sought to develop targeted immunotherapies that could treat vitiligo while avoiding…

Establishment of an Immune-Cell Niche in Skin

Dr. Rosenblum presented his research that identified a novel immune cell niche and its possible clinical applications. First, Dr. Rosenblum discussed regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their role in skin disease. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases result from disruption in the balance of autoreactive and regulatory cells. Tregs are a type of regulatory cell in the…

Clinic-Based Surgery for HS

Dr. Sayed presented information about clinic-based surgical procedures for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). First, Dr. Sayed discussed the role of dermatologists in providing surgical care for HS. HS medications can be used to treat inflammation, but the physical wounds and skin changes remain. Surgery may be a good option for patients who do not…

Evolving Treatment of HS

Dr. Sayed presented an overview of treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and reviewed ongoing clinical trials. The landscape of treatment for HS is rapidly changing. Dr. Sayed predicts that many more treatment options will become available in the next 5–10 years. First, Dr. Sayed described current HS treatment options, including adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, and…

JAK Inhibitor Therapy for Alopecia Areata

Dr. Aguh presented about alopecia areata (AA) and treatment with JAK inhibitors. First, Dr. Aguh described AA and the categories of disease severity. Common subtypes of AA include patch, totalis, and universalis; additional subtypes include ophiasis, incognito, and canitis subita, which manifests as sudden graying of the hair. She described that fortunately, most patients have…