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and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in February 2023. She attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with minors in public relations and creative writing. She enjoys making and listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cats, Astrid and Marceline.

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The review assessed infections, gastrointestinal AEs, blood and lymphatic disorders, and nervous system and musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorders.

Research Observe, Classify Adverse Event Profiles for Pediatric Patients Treated With JAK Inhibitors

Researchers stated the lack of reported clinical validation data raises concerns about their effectiveness and safety.

Nearly half of FDA-authorized AI tools may be ineffective

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and is now finishing her Masters in Digital Media through Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family.

A recent review found glycyrrhizin improves minoxidil's efficacy in treating AA, showing reduced severity and improved hair density.

CG and Minoxidil Combination Therapy Shows Promise for AA

Researchers reported that second-year students were more likely to identify dermatological conditions, particularly in White patients.

Preclinical Medical Students Perform Similarly in Evaluating, Diagnosing Dermatological Diseases in Varying Skin Types

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Experts detail 5 tips to ask a financial advisor so they can best serve your interests. 

Do You Have the Right Financial Adviser?

 approximately 2% of people worldwide will experience hair loss due to alopecia areata in their lifetime. 

When taking this statistic into account, approximately 160 million people globally have had, currently have, or will have alopecia areata, including approximately 6.7 million in the US. 

At this moment in time, it can be approximated that 700,000 people in the US, both children and adults, currently have some form of alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata - National Alopecia Areata Foundation. NAAF. June 23, 2023. Accessed August 11, 2023. 

This Hair Loss Awareness Month, test your knowledge of hair loss conditions. Click here to answer this week's poll.

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POLL: What Percentage of People Worldwide Will Experience Alopecia in Their Lifetime?

Differences in Frequency of Vulvar Dermatoses According to Ethnicity: A Study of a Cohort of Patients in a Large Diverse UK Teaching Hospital

A study conducted at the National Health Service Hospital Trust in East London analyzed the prevalence of vulvar dermatoses among ethnically diverse patients. Data from 246 patients attending vulvar clinics in 2022-2023 revealed significant variations in diagnosis by ethnicity. Although lichen sclerosus was the most common diagnosis among White patients, lichen simplex predominated in Asian and Black patients, with Asian patients showing a 20.2 times higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis compared with White patients. According to Patel et al, the findings suggest that differences among ethnicities may be linked to genetic predisposition, cultural practices, and health-seeking behaviors. The study authors noted that frequent genital washing, as recommended in Islamic teachings, may exacerbate lichen simplex. Patel et al concluded by emphasizing the need for further research to understand the complex factors influencing vulvar dermatoses in different ethnic groups, with an aim to optimize patient management across diverse populations.

Conversion of a Validated Melanoma Risk Stratification Tool Into a Tablet-Based Patient Questionnaire for Targeted Melanoma Screening in Primary Care Settings: A Pilot Study

Gupta et al’s pilot study explored the adaptation of the Mackie melanoma risk stratification tool into a tablet-based, self-administered patient questionnaire for use in primary care settings. The goal was to identify high-risk individuals for targeted melanoma screening. The questionnaire was implemented across 2 academic centers between 2019 and 2021, and the study included 7893 respondents. The results showed that 26% of respondents were classified as high-risk, with a number needed to screen (NNS) of 64 to detect one melanoma in this group, a significant improvement compared to general population screenings according to Gupta et al. The study authors concluded that the self-administered tool effectively identifies high-risk individuals, potentially improving early detection while minimizing unnecessary screenings. However, further research is needed to enhance its sensitivity and specificity, particularly in diverse patient populations.

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy—Report of Two Cases in Siblings and Review of Literature

Gowda et al’s report describes 2 siblings, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, diagnosed with Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN), a rare condition that affects peripheral sensory and autonomic neurons. Both siblings showed significant distal sensory loss, including resorption of toes, lichenified ulcers, and callosities. Sensory and motor function examinations found diminished reflexes, and nerve conduction studies confirmed symmetrical sensory axonal polyneuropathy. The absence of autonomic symptoms and normal nerve thickness were also recorded. According to the authors, the diagnosis of HSAN was made based on clinical presentation and family history, with no genetic analysis performed due to financial constraints. Gowda et al emphasized that their report highlights the challenges in classifying HSAN due to overlapping symptoms among subtypes.

Granulomatous Secondary Syphilis: When to Maintain a High Index of Suspicion?

Di Prete et al’s study highlighted the challenge of identifying secondary syphilis when granulomatous inflammation is present. The case involved a 48-year-old woman with a diffuse rash misdiagnosed initially as cutaneous lymphoma. Histopathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammation, but immunohistochemistry for 

 was negative. Despite this, Di Prete et al performed serological testing, which was initially negative due to the "prozone phenomenon." Later real-time polymerase chain reaction testing and repeated serology confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis. The patient responded well to treatment with diaminocillin. According to the study authors, the patient case shows the importance of considering syphilis in granulomatous inflammation cases, even when serological and immunohistochemical tests are negative.

What new studies have you published? Share with us by emailing 

Patel M, Simpson J, Stuart B, Thamban S, Ekeowa-Anderson A. Differences in frequency of vulvar dermatoses according to ethnicity: a study of a cohort of patients in a large diverse UK teaching hospital. 

Gupta N, Kim DP, Conomikes A, et al. Conversion of a validated melanoma risk stratification tool into a tablet-based patient questionnaire for targeted melanoma screening in primary care settings: a pilot study. 

. 2024;50(7):611-615. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000004186

Gowda SK, Garg S, Behera B, Priyadharsan B, Thakur V. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy—report of two cases in siblings and review of literature. 

. 202469(4):p366. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_1179_23

Di Prete M, Latini A, Lora V, Pimpinelli F, Cota C. Granulomatous secondary syphilis: When to maintain a high index of suspicion?. 

. Published online August 14, 2024. doi:10.1111/cup.1470

This week’s collection of the latest dermatologic studies includes the prevalence of vulvar dermatoses among ethnically diverse patients, the adaptation of the Mackie melanoma risk stratification tool into a tablet-based patient questionnaire, siblings diagnosed with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, and more.

Journal Digest: August 21

Increased Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Acne Patients Using Isotretinoin: Could It Be a Sign of Early Osteoarthritis?

Kulakli et al evaluated the impact of isotretinoin treatment on femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) in patients with acne and explored its potential as a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis (OA). The study included 52 patients with acne and 45 healthy controls, with ultrasound measurements of FCT before and after treatment. Kulakli et al’s results demonstrated a significant increase in FCT in multiple knee regions after isotretinoin treatment, suggesting possible early cartilage changes. However, no direct correlation was found between treatment duration, cumulative dose, and FCT changes. According to the study authors, their findings suggest that isotretinoin may trigger early OA-like changes in cartilage, particularly in young patients. However, further studies with longer follow-ups are needed.

Cystic Fibrosis Dermatitis Arthritis Syndrome: A Series of Four Cases

In their study, Schwartzman et al described a newly recognized condition termed cystic fibrosis dermatitis arthritis syndrome (CF-DAS), characterized by episodic skin eruptions and arthritis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The study focused on 4 female patients, aged 9 to 26, who exhibited recurrent pink papules, plaques, and nodules, lasting 5 to 7 days, primarily on the extremities. The patients’ episodes were associated with severe arthralgias and, in some cases, arthritis. Histopathological findings varied, showing neutrophilic infiltrates and small vessel vasculitis. All 4 patients were treated with supportive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and one patient showed significant improvement with oral dapsone. Schwartzman et al’s study suggests that CF-DAS may be immunologically driven, potentially linked to immune complex deposition, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing CF-DAS to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. According to the authors, CF-DAS is distinct from other similar dermatologic and rheumatologic disorders and does not correlate with pulmonary exacerbations.

Needle Before Scalpel: Considering the Role of Intratumoral Therapy in Melanoma

Katz et al explored the efficacy and safety of various intratumoral (IT) therapies for treating cutaneous melanoma, particularly in cases where surgery or radiation is not viable. IT therapy involves directly injecting therapeutic agents into tumors to achieve local control and potentially stimulate systemic antitumor responses while minimizing systemic toxicity. Katz et al’s review covers several novel IT agents, including immune-enhancing agents such as pembrolizumab and ipilimumab, oncolytic viruses such as talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and coxsackievirus A21, and non-immunologic agents such as rose bengal (PV-10). The study author’s results show that IT therapies offer promising outcomes in terms of overall response rates (ORR) and durability, with a generally favorable safety profile. T-VEC and CVA21 showed notable efficacy, particularly when combined with systemic immunotherapies. According to Katz et al, their study emphasizes the potential of IT therapies as an alternative or adjunct to systemic treatments.

Exploring Fractional Pigment Toning: A Novel Approach for Treating Benign Pigmented Lesions in Asian Patients With Fitzpatrick Skin Types III–V

Manuskiatti et al’s study evaluated a new laser technique of fractional pigment toning (FPT) for treating benign epidermal pigmented lesions in patients with darker skin tones. A total of 27 patients with solar lentigines underwent treatment using both FPT and a conventional technique (CT) on different sides of the face. The study found that both techniques effectively reduced pigmentation, but FPT resulted in less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and faster recovery. PIH incidence was significantly higher with the CT approach, reaching 96% at 3 months post-treatment, compared to milder and less widespread PIH with FPT. Although FPT caused more treatment discomfort, it offered comparable or better pigment clearance and fewer adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a safer, more effective option for patients at risk of PIH, according to Manuskiatti et al.

Kulakli S, Elmas Telli AC, Sari IF, et al. Increased femoral cartilage thickness in acne patients using isotretinoin: could it be a sign of early osteoarthritis?. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03264-x

Schwartzman G, Zlotoff BJ, Gru AA, Guffey DJ. Cystic fibrosis dermatitis arthritis syndrome: a series of four cases. 

. Published online August 8, 2024. doi:10.1111/pde.15727

Katz TH, Javed A, Powers JG, Needle before Scalpel: considering the role of intratumoral therapy in melanoma. 

Manuskiatti W, Hutachoke T, Viriyaskultorn N, Li JB, Techapichetvanich T, Wanitphakdeedecha R. Exploring fractional pigment toning: a novel approach for treating benign pigmented lesions in Asian patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. 

. Published online July 29, 2024. doi:10.1002/lsm.23828

This week’s collection of the latest dermatologic studies includes the impact of isotretinoin treatment on femoral cartilage thickness, cystic fibrosis dermatitis arthritis syndrome, the role of intratumoral therapies for cutaneous melanoma, and fractional pigment toning for treating benign epidermal pigmented lesions.

Journal Digest: August 12

US Food and Drug Administration recently approved Citius Pharmaceuticals’ denileukin diftitox-cxdl (Lymphir)

 for adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

The approval is based on positive phase 3 trial results showing effectiveness in CTCL stages I to III. The trial involved administering the drug intravenously over 5 consecutive days every 21 days, with primary outcomes focused on dose-limiting toxicities and overall response rate, and secondary outcomes including response duration and adverse events.

 spoke with Myron Czuczman, MD, chief medical officer and EVP of Citius, to discuss the implications of the approval for dermatology clinicians and the role of a multidisciplinary care team in treating patients with CTCL.

Understanding Lymphir’s Mechanism of Action

Lymphir is an innovative agent classified as an immunotoxin, a fusion protein combining IL-2 with a potent toxin. Unlike other FDA-approved systemic targeted therapies for CTCL, Lymphir operates through a distinctive mechanism. 

"What’s interesting about the mechanism of action is that it is unique, and it is different than other… FDA-approved systemic targeted therapies that are in the field. Our product is unique in its class," Czuczman said.

Lymphir is designed to target the IL-2 receptor, which is prevalent on T-cells in CTCLs. The IL-2 component binds to its receptor, while the fused toxin delivers a cytotoxic effect to the tumor cells.

"The value here is that as you give it in the body, it finds its place for the structures. These predominantly would be on these cancers, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which will be the indication in the United States in relapsed and refractive patients after one prior systemic therapy," Czuczman said.

Lymphir also transiently depletes regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which suppress the immune response against tumors.

The pivotal study for Lymphir demonstrated promising results. The primary endpoint, objective response rate (ORR), was 36% according to the independent review committee, with investigator-assessed rates slightly higher at 42%.

The study included heavily pre-treated patients, with a median of 4 prior therapies. 

"What’s interesting also is that the duration of response was over 6 months," Czuczman said. "52% were over 6, and we still had about 20% of patients, we have these responders, and they go out to perhaps one year or more.”

In addition to the ORR, Lymphir showed a significant impact on skin tumor burden.

"What’s most noticeable is that it works quite quickly… Over 80% of patients that had skin disease had a decrease in their skin tumor burden," Czuczman noted. "About 50% had a decrease in baseline or greater, equal to 50% along with around 12, 13% complete remission."

"Dermatologists at large academic centers will often coordinate with hematologists, oncologists, and other specialists to manage these complex cases," Czuczman said. "In the past, interdisciplinary teams… including dermatologists, hematologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists, have played a crucial role in patient care."

Czuczman concluded with gratitude for the approval, noting: "It’s very rewarding to see that we have an active agent that can help prolong patients’ survival, control their symptomatic diseases, and is just another important type of agent to use."

Citius Pharmaceuticals receives FDA approval for Lymphir (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. News release. PR Newswire. August 8, 2024. Accessed August 13, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/citius-pharmaceuticals-receives-fda-approval-for-lymphir-denileukin-diftitox-cxdl-immunotherapy-for-the-treatment-of-adults-with-relapsed-or-refractory-cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma-302217630.html

Myron Czuczman, MD, of Citius Pharmaceuticals recently shared perspectives on the role and potential of Lymphir in CTCL.

Insights Into the Approval of Denileukin Diftitox-cxdl for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

"Atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a challenging condition to manage effectively, and despite advances in treatment, there is a persistent issue of therapeutic inertia in the field. This inertia, characterized by the failure to escalate treatment when patients do not meet their therapeutic targets, continues to undermine patient outcomes. The 

 has highlighted this issue in the real-world, showing that many patients with moderate-to-severe AD remain undertreated, leading to inadequate disease control and reduced quality of life," wrote Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and translational biomedicine at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and 

recent review of new atopic dermatitis treatment targets.

The chronic physical symptoms of AD such as itchy and painful skin are often associated with affecting patients’ quality of sleep, sexual and social interactions, and work productivity. Due to the mental and physical effects of AD combined with dissatisfaction with current treatment regimens, more effective therapies are needed. 

Answer the poll below to learn more about recently published atopic dermatitis treatment recommendations.

The TARGET-DERM registry longitudinal study highlighted the continued trend of the failure to escalate atopic dermatitis treatments when patients do not meet their therapeutic targets.

POLL: When Do You Escalate AD Treatment if Treatment Targets are Not Achieved?

This week is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week.

Bob Peelman

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