Education
Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.
Oncodermatopathology Clues: Clinical-Pathologic Correlation for Adverse Skin Reactions to Newer Oncologic Therapies
Dr. Emily Chu presented information about cutaneous adverse reactions to targeted oncologic therapies, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, enfortumab vedotin (EV), v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitors, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitors. As more patients receive these oncologic therapies, dermatologists are…
Pragmatic Trials: The Next Generation of Research Needed to Advance Dermatology Practice
Dr. Joel Gelfand presented information about real-world data collection methods, including registries, automated databases, and pragmatic clinical trials. First, Gelfand discussed the role of real-world studies in identifying adverse events (AEs) caused by newly approved treatments. Pre-approval clinical trials (i.e., phase 1-3) have limited ability to identify safety signals because these studies are designed to…
The Role of the Dermatologist in Reducing Cardiovascular
Risk in Psoriasis
Dr. Joel Gelfand presented information about cardiovascular (CV) risk in people with psoriasis and how dermatologists can recognize and reduce CV outcomes in these patients. First, Gelfand described the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the clinical significance of CV risk in patients with psoriasis. People with psoriasis are at increased risk of…
What’s New in Vitiligo Therapies
Dr. Seemal Desai presented information about vitiligo and provided updates about emerging treatment options. Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets melanocytes, causing skin depigmentation. Its pathogenesis is largely regulated by interferon-γ activation of the Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathway. First, Desai described treatment options for vitiligo, including topical and systemic therapies, phototherapy, depigmentation…
2025 DF Clinical Symposium
The DF Clinical Symposium has a reputation for excellence that attracts hundreds yearly to receive a serious, in-depth medical educational experience and support the Foundation’s work.
Can We Cure Cutaneous Lymphomas in 2024?
Dr. Jaehyuk Choi presented his research about novel therapies for cutaneous lymphomas. In his research, Dr. Choi analyzes patient samples using omics, machine learning, and AI to identify therapeutic targets for further evaluation in clinical trials. Dr. Choi shared three patient cases where he helped the treating physician find therapies to induce remission. Case #1…
Precision Medicine in Cutaneous Lymphoma
Dr. Jaehyuk Choi presented two patient cases that demonstrate his approach to precision medicine in cutaneous lymphoma. Patients are referred to Dr. Choi from multiple institutions to better understand their disease and drivers of therapeutic resistance. He uses machine learning algorithms to identify predictive biomarkers and develop innovative next-generation therapies. Case #1 A 64-year-old male…
Shared Decision Making in Dermatology
Dr. Carrie Coughlin presented information about shared decision making (SDM) for dermatologists. First, Dr. Coughlin provided an overview of SDM. SDM occurs when providers and patients come together to make decisions. The decision must involve at least two reasonably equivalent options. Clinicians must clearly communicate the options and elicit patient and/or family preferences. The benefits…
Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: An Update
Dr. Carrie Coughlin presented information about the clinical evaluation, treatment, and management of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). First, Dr. Coughlin discussed CMN clinical evaluation and risk assessment. Initial evaluation includes a physical exam with palpation because melanoma can present underneath the skin. If the nevus is large or giant, Dr. Coughlin also examines the lymph…