Skin Cancer

Recognition of patients with hereditary melanoma is important not only because these individuals require careful surveillance for future primary melanomas, but also because they may be predisposed to multiple other types of malignancies because of their genetic mutation, says Hensin Tsao, M.D., Ph.D.

A new energy-based device delivering ultrafast pulses of high amplitude electrical energy to nonthermally preferentially clear targeted cell rich lesions is proving to be a very useful treatment modality for a number of benign dermatologic lesions.

Results presented at the recent ASCO 2020 Virtual Scientific Program demonstrate the long-term relapse-free and survival benefit of dabrafenib (Tafinlar, Novartis) and trametinib (Mekinist, Novartis) as a combination treatment following surgery in stage III BRAF V600E/K-mutant melanoma patients.

A study from the University of Washington Medicine in Seattle pinpoints one of two lesions that can be attributed to UV light-caused skin cancer.

The epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab achieved good outcomes in patients with advanced SCC, according to results of a recent study.

A recently published study in JAMA Dermatology showcases positive results for a face aging app’s effect on adolescent skin cancer protection behavior.

Immunotherapeutic agents have become an important treatment option for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma

Use of systemic therapies for treatment of melanoma is growing, and so is the list of cutaneous side effects associated with their use.

It is estimated that 0.025% to 16% of all actinic keratosis (AK) lesions may progress into invasive SCC per year, and there is still no marker to predict which lesions will progress, according to a recent paper that outlined diagnostic challenges as well as current and pipeline treatment approaches.

Recent advances in systemic therapies have led to the development of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, which one expert says may represent a paradigm shift in the treatment and management of patients with locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Continued research has produced a number of targeted therapies that provide hope for patients with this rare but sometimes deadly form of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Positive outcomes with an experimental vaccine provide hope for patients with stage IIB and IIC melanoma.

Stem cell factor, a growth factor critical for melanocyte survival, may play an important role in the development of benign and malignant skin hyperpigmentation disorders.

Though still considered controversial, several evolving treatment and management plans for primary cutaneous melanoma are making their way into the mainstream and challenging more traditional approaches.

Gene expression profile (GEP) testing outcomes have positively impacted the management decision-making process for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), according to a recent study.

A cohort study reveals the dose-response association between cumulative number of sessions and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) risk in women was the same regardless of duration of use or age at indoor tanning initiation. 

Nano-Pulse Stimulation has shown efficacy in clearing benign cutaneous lesions, and may also have the potential to treat malignancies, says this expert.

A new systemic medication option offers promising results for patients with high-risk squamous cell carcinoma for whom surgery has not worked, says this expert.

Novartis, Quest Diagnostics collaborate on free genetic mutation testing initiative, The Know Now BRAF program, for patients with stage III or stage IV melanoma.

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A appear to play a significant role in helping to decrease the incidental risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, according to a recent study.

One expert believes that clinicians may want to seek a second pathologic opinion for particularly difficult-to-diagnose melanocytic lesions before solely relying on the results of existing molecular assays.

A novel nanovaccine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing the development of melanoma in mouse models, according to a recent study.

New German basal cell carcinoma (BCC) guidelines are more alike than unlike U.S. guidelines, although minor differences exist in areas such as prevention and newer systemic treatments, says experts.

Malignant melanoma can mimic many melanocytic lesions and vice versa, making it a difficult diagnosis. As such, accurate diagnosis should be a collaborative effort between clinician and dermatopathologist, says this expert.

There are many different aspects to the treatment and management of primary melanoma, but clinicians differ on their perceptions of the ideal treatment approach.

ASDS recently named Dr. Badia as the top national screener for the Choose Skin Health program, administering more then 1,800 screenings in the 2018-2019 program year.

For many years, genetic expression profiling has helped physicians predict which patients are at the highest risk of having their melanoma metastasize. Now, this same approach could aid in treating squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Radiodermatitis affects approximately 95% of all patients who receive radiation therapy for cancer - many of who are women undergoing breast cancer treatment. A recent study has found that developing the condition has a significant and detrimental impact on breast cancer patients' overall quality-of-life.

As age is the strongest risk factor in NMSC, dermatologists can see an increase in this type of cancer in elderly patients, and treatment preferences vary.  

Comparative diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ is needed for accuracy in treatment plan.