melanoma
Photoprotection in Skin of Color: Understanding Photodamage and Optimizing Sunscreen Strategies
Dr. Susan Taylor presented information about personalized photoprotection strategies for individuals with skin of color. Photoprotection is the process of preventing the deleterious effects of the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) spectrum, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), visible light (VL), and infrared light on the skin. It is necessary to maintain skin health and prevent photodamage, photoaging, and…
Advancing Dermatology for Latino Skin of Color
Maritza Perez, MD, is an indefatigable teacher who has mentored hundreds of residents since 1984 when she graduated from a dermatology residency in Puerto Rico. As a clinician, she made her mark by performing tens of thousands of Mohs surgeries, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures, particularly in Latino skin of color. Perez, who retired in…
Inherited Melanoma Syndromes
Dr. Emily Chu presented information about familial melanoma, inherited melanoma syndromes, and associated genes. Familial melanoma is defined as ≥2 first-degree relatives with melanoma or ≥3 relatives on the same side of the family with melanoma. First, Chu described genes associated with increased risk of developing melanoma, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), cyclin-dependent kinase…
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.
Where Scientific Innovation, Discovery and Clinical Dermatology Converge
Michael Rosenblum, MD, PhD, was a 20-year-old undergraduate at the University of British Columbia when his mother became ill with breast cancer. At the time, physician-scientists were just beginning to explore how the immune system could be directed to target cancer cells. At the forefront was Dr. Steven Rosenberg, who had written a book that…
2024 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.
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….
Skin Cancer Disparities in Patients with Skin of Color
The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma is significantly lower in darker skin types. In Black people, BCC is 2000-fold less common, and SCC is 500–1000-fold less common compared to non-Hispanic white people. Melanoma-related mortality rates in the US-based Black population has been declining during the past 20 years. Non-white race is associated with later melanoma detection and lower survival rates. Multiple risk factors have been proposed for skin cancers in skin of color including immunosuppression and previous scaring. More research is needed to understand the primary drivers of skin cancer in skin of color.
2023 DF Clinical Symposium
The DF Clinical Symposium is the national medical education event that attracts dermatologists, residents, and non-physician clinicians seeking a serious, in-depth educational experience. In its 20th year, this peer-reviewed continuing medical education program delivers cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts on every aspect of dermatology.
Bringing Research from Bench to Bedside
Dr. Chen presented on dermatologic immune-related adverse events (D-irAEs) and the role of dermatology specialists in the care of patients who are treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).