Skin Cancer

Many of the current definitions of skin diseases used in dermatology have changed and morphed over the years, as clinicians learn more and amass volumes of new information regarding many different features, characteristics and associations of dermatologic diseases.

Physicians have greatly changed the ways in which they use photodynamic therapy (PDT) since it was introduced, according to an expert who spoke at the South Beach Symposium recently.

Treatments that combine newer targeted therapies have begun to lift the “death sentence” that advanced melanoma formerly carried, an expert says.

Although skin cancers occur less commonly in skin of color (SOC), an expert says, their poorer prognosis reveals a need for increased education among patients and providers.

A new study demonstrates that while melanoma diagnoses in both men and women are increasing, middle-aged women are being diagnosed with melanoma at staggering rates, alarming researchers.

Field therapy in patients with multiple facial actinic keratoses (AKs) is important for preventing the development of new, clinically visible lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Yet, for a number of reasons, including the need for prolonged topical treatment and poor tolerability, field therapy is widely underused.

Video education tools aimed at men boost attendance at whole-body clinical skin examinations and enhances men’s awareness of skin health concerns, a recent study indicates.

Patients who take the erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra (sildenafil citrate, Pfizer) are at an increased risk of developing melanoma, recent research suggests.

An investigational drug being studied for the treatment of melanoma has demonstrated a decrease of melanoma cells in both injected tumors and non-injected bystander tumors in mice.

Teenagers who use indoor tanning devices may be at greater risk for harmful weight control behaviors, according to results of a recent study.

The “Chaos & Clues” decision algorithm allows physicians to decide for or against biopsy at the speed of a normal examination, without making complex calculations, one of its developers says.

In treating nonmelanoma skin cancers, an expert says, superficial radiation therapy appears poised for a resurgence due to factors including its safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Though a cure for melanoma remains elusive, continued research has borne several promising treatment approaches with more targeted drugs that can help lengthen melanoma patients' survival, buying them time until more effective treatments come to light.

In the battle against melanoma, a new test has shown that it can identify primary cutaneous melanomas that are likely to metastasize in patients who had negative sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB). Data were presented at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

There is a misconception that people with skin of color are not at risk of skin cancer, and dermatologists are responsible for better educating themselves and their patients about this danger, says an expert who spoke at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

A new study suggests that triple protection factor broad-spectrum sunscreen 50 (TPF50) is more effective than traditional sunscreens in preventing sun damage to the skin and nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Results of a new study suggest that a drug commonly prescribed to patients with cancer - including advanced melanoma - can halt the progress of the disease for up to two years.

A new study suggests that in addition to potentially causing tumor-inducing DNA mutations, repetitive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin melanoma to metastasize.

Educational video how-tos may prompt older men to monitor their skin either through self-examinations or clinical skin exams, thereby increasing earlier skin cancer diagnoses, according to the results of two new studies.

Common diseases can present in unusual ways, so treatment-resistant fungal infections on the skin should be biopsied, as these infections can mimic or coexist with malignancies, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Dermatologists and other medical specialists around the world who treat patients with actinic keratoses (AKs or solar keratoses) will soon be able to refer to new evidence-based (S3) guidelines for management.

Though half of melanoma patients with the BRAF mutation respond positively to treatment with BRAF inhibitors, most develop resistance to the drugs and experience disease progression. A new study suggests a drug used to treat malaria may help to block the pathway that causes this BRAF inhibitor resistance.

Performing sentinel lymph node biopsies on melanoma patients can significantly prolong a patient's disease-free life by early detection of metastasis, according to a recent study.

Using educational videos focused on premature aging caused by sun exposure was more likely to improve teens’ sunscreen use than videos focused on skin cancer risk, a recent study suggests.

Noninvasive, nonscarring treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) could be on the horizon.

Cryotherapy may be more effective than CO2 laser ablation in treatment of actinic keratosis (AKs) on the face and scalp, according to a recent study.

Drinking alcohol regularly may increase risk of developing melanoma by up to 55 percent, according to a new study.

To document the value of melanoma screening, researchers in the United States continue to refine screening strategies, an expert says.

Treatment for metastatic melanoma has begun a dramatic renaissance with the development of novel immunotherapy strategies and targeted therapeutic approaches.

The commercialization of ingenol mebutate (Picato, LEO Pharma) a medication that is currently approved in the United States and many other countries for the treatment of actinic keratosis, is an example of how enthusiasm and commitment can drive innovation, a LEO Pharma general manager says.