John Jesitus

The TNF alpha inhibitor certolizumab pegol has achieved the highest response rates seen in phase three trials of self-injectable biologics for psoriasis, shows a study published in JAAD. 

Publishing new research findings has its benefits, but how physicians use that information and their personal experience in clinical practice can prove to be more insightful. In this table on page 98 of Dermatology Times June issue, we feature insights from three physicians who participated in the rapid-fire Q&A “60 Tips in 60 Minutes” from this year's Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Brodalumab most cost-effective with high efficacy for plaque psoriasis, but IL-17 inhibitors as a whole outperform other biologics, study shows.  

Twice-monthly certolizumab for plaque psoriasis could prove to be an option for patients who struggle with twice-weekly dosing, a study shows.

A study that compares the safety, efficacy and drug survival of biologics to biosimilars, finds that switching to a biosimilar had no significant impact on drug survival or safe

While there are biologics and systemic agents designed to control the severe form of plaque psoriasis, few treatments work as well in moderate plaque psoriasis. Apremilast may be a game changer.

Treating acne in pregnancy requires familiarity with FDA medication categories and having thorough discussions with patients.

Between 2004 and 2013, the number of spironolactone courses per 100 females with acne rose from 2.08 to 8.13 among dermatologists and from 1.43 to 4.09 among nondermatologists, researchers report.

Initial results of an investigator-initiated phase 4 trial suggest that blocking interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 may reduce cardiovascular inflammation associated with psoriasis, researchers reported at AAD 2018.

Injectable aesthetic products recently FDA-approved or in late stages of development include polycaprolactone, a new hyaluronic acid and multiple neuromodulators.

The transgender dermatology patient may face a unique set of challenges doctors should be prepared to address, says Dr. Brian Ginsberg.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in February, Dr. Brett Coldiron described challenges dermatologists should be prepared for this year, including Medicare payment reductions, insurers' cost-saving strategies and practice consolidations.

There's been much debate in the literature about the need for and role of vitamin D, which may encourage patients to overdo vitamin dosing, researchers said at AAD 2018 this week.

Avoiding and treating vascular compromise with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections requires understanding the subtleties of underlying facial anatomy and keeping a well-stocked arsenal of treatments for impending necrosis.

Evidence does not support use of common treatments for molluscum contagiosum infections. Natural resolution may be best.

Physicians should measure pigmented lesion diameter with a ruler rather than estimating via landmarks or the naked eye, a study shows.

Although collectively dermatologists are doing more, each dermatologist may be doing less in the higher quintiles.

There are two pathways that lead to atopic dermatitis. Their origins differ, but they both impair the immune system and skin barrier in AD.

Long-term data for dupilumab in atopic dermatitis revealed at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 75th Annual Meeting reflect safety, rapid relief of troublesome symptoms and a long-lived response in keeping with the drug’s breakthrough status, experts told Dermatology Times.

Being able to predict which patients will respond to which treatments will help dermatologists in treating psoriasis, preventing progression to psoriatic arthritis and reducing comorbidities.

PDT is underutilized as field treatment for AKs. An expert pushes for two to three hours' incubation time in her clinic and suggests efficacy-elevating pretreatment of lesions.

Taking the sting and stress out of dermatologic procedures requires low-tech distraction techniques and, often in the case of children, amusing apps.

Knowing the genetic basis of monogenic skin diseases may one day help dermatologists treat non-monogenic skin diseases as well.

CMS' meaningful use program for electronic health records (EHRs) has morphed into the Advancing Care Information (ACI) initiative, which loosens restrictions for earning EHR bonuses.

Promising new treatments recently approved or under development for atopic dermatitis include crisaborole, JAK inhibitors and dupilumab, an expert said.

Important recent publications from mainstream medical journals highlight the following: Automobile side windows do not block UV radiation well; An adjuvant herpes zoster vaccine works as well in patients over 70 years old as it did in the 50-plus age group; The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine dosing based on actual, not ideal, weight.

A recent pediatric allergy study spells out how to safely introduce peanuts to high-risk (and other) children. Another study suggests that melatonin may have immunomodulatory effects in AD.

Keeping abreast of findings regarding the immunological, neurological and vascular roots of rosacea helps dermatologists target treatments accordingly, experts say.

Dermatologists could be making greater use of topical retinoids and vitamin D preparations in treating a variety of hyperproliferative and other skin disorders. In the early days of psoriasis treatment, the “sandwich theory” focused on epidermal turnover and inflammation, with one drug or strategy for each layer.

Although many systemic immunomodulators are approved for psoriasis, their mechanisms of action suggest they have utility in indications ranging from atopic dermatitis (AD) to chronic urticaria. Understanding a systemic immunomodulator’s mechanism of action provides a theoretical basis for uses beyond its labeled indication.