Expert Interviews

Sherket Peterson, PhD, spoke to Dermatology Times about Allergan’s recent research and plan to launch a universal skin quality index.

Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, but common adverse effects include infections, particularly candidiasis, and potential increased suicidal ideation risk. Patients should be informed of candidiasis risk, especially with bimekizumab (Gordon, 2022), and monitored for mood changes, as IL-17s and IL-23s may impact mental health (Blauvelt, 2023). Open discussions help assess risks while ensuring treatment benefits.

Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors are considered for plaque psoriasis based on disease severity, comorbidities, and patient preference. Selection factors include efficacy, safety, access, and cost. Clinical trial data guide choices, but real-world factors impact use. Dosing varies: secukinumab (300 mg weekly for 5 weeks, then monthly), ixekizumab (160 mg at week 0, then 80 mg biweekly for 12 weeks, then monthly), brodalumab (210 mg weekly for 3 weeks, then biweekly), and bimekizumab (320 mg every 4 weeks for 16 weeks, then every 8 weeks). Dosing and device options influence prescribing decisions.

An expert discusses when gene expression profile (GEP) testing is recommended for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, including cases where it may not be necessary, and provides final thoughts on the utility of GEP testing in risk stratification and making treatment decisions.

An expert discusses their impressions of the case, classifying the patient’s risk based on the clinical presentation of the lesion, and outlines treatment recommendations without knowing the 40-gene expression profile (GEP) information, including whether adjuvant therapy (ART) would be recommended. The expert also shares how to discuss 40-GEP testing with patients and reassure them that accurate risk levels are crucial for receiving optimal treatment.

Panelists discuss how to optimize treatment outcomes by managing the transition from biologics to JAK inhibitors and considering dose adjustment strategies when patients show inadequate response to initial therapy.

Aaron Farberg, MD, discuss how to educate parents about the potential adverse effects of a new therapy while also reassuring them about its overall safety profile by providing clear, evidence-based information and emphasizing the rigorous testing and monitoring processes.

Aaron Farberg, MD, discuss how appropriate monitoring, including regular assessments of growth, potential side effects, and laboratory tests to evaluate liver function and hematologic parameters, would be necessary when prescribing a topical JAK inhibitor to a younger child (age 2-11 years).

Aaron Farberg, MD, discuss how JAK inhibitors have come under scrutiny in the past for systemic adverse effects in oral formulations, while exploring the safety data of topical JAK inhibitors in the pediatric population, which appears to show a more favorable risk profile with localized effects.

Panelists discuss how clinicians can recognize and address barriers to treatment advancement in a young adult with persistent moderate to severe atopic dermatitis by evaluating disease impact, patient concerns, and appropriate therapeutic options.

Aaron Farberg, MD, discusses how, when prescribing therapies for pediatric patients, dermatologists prioritize long-term safety alongside efficacy. Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have demonstrated a favorable safety profile compared with their oral counterparts, with minimal systemic absorption. Appropriate monitoring may include baseline blood work and periodic clinical assessments, particularly in younger children. Effective parent education balances transparent discussion of potential adverse effects with evidence-based reassurance about the therapy’s safety profile.

Jiyeon Oh’s research confirms that a personalized approach is needed to treat all complexities associated with AD.

Researcher Jiyeon Oh shares results of a recent study that confirm the prevalence of AD is stable, but disease burden is rising.

Gooderham continues a discussion on new data reinforcing the safety of topical delgocitinib, with minimal systemic absorption even under maximal use conditions.

Panelists discuss how generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) profoundly impacts patients’ quality of life through physical pain, psychological distress, social isolation, and functional limitations, necessitating comprehensive support systems that address both medical management and psychosocial well-being.

Panelists discuss how the diagnosis and management of generalized pustular psoriasis present significant challenges due to its rarity, complex presentation, potentially life-threatening complications, limited treatment options, and the need for multidisciplinary care approaches.

At the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting, Gooderham shared data on the negligible systemic exposure of delgocitinib cream for chronic hand eczema.

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, discusses how to balance the need for effective control of Alzheimer's disease symptoms with concerns about long-term safety, particularly when introducing new therapies.

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, discusses how factors such as the safety profile, efficacy, age-appropriate dosing, and potential long-term effects of ruxolitinib cream would be crucial in determining its place in treatment for young children.

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, discusses how caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring successful long-term AD management by providing daily support, monitoring treatment adherence, and offering emotional support, while dermatologists can better support them through education, clear communication, and collaborative care strategies.

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, discusses how current treatment options for this age group fall short in terms of disease control, safety, and ease of use, while highlighting emerging options that promise better efficacy, fewer side effects, and greater convenience.

Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, discusses how pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment challenges include limited approved options, safety concerns, and adherence issues. Effective management requires balancing new therapies like Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors with safety while supporting caregivers through education.

An expert discusses initial thoughts on the case, including the risk category the patient would fall into based on the characteristics of their lesion, outlines the treatment guidelines for melanoma based on their risk, and suggests the frequency of surveillance visits solely based on their traditional risk classification.

Panelists discuss how unique characteristics of different JAK inhibitors, including selectivity profiles, administration routes, and clinical efficacy data, inform treatment selection in real-world practice.

Panelists discuss how inhibition of IL-17 in psoriasis treatment significantly improves quality of life by reducing inflammation, skin lesions, itching, and pain. Patients report better psychological well-being, increased social confidence, and improved daily functioning as inflammatory pathways are interrupted.

Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors are biologics that target the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 pathway. They demonstrate rapid onset of action, with measurable improvement in most patients within 2 to 4 weeks and peak efficacy by 12 to 16 weeks. They achieve high rates of skin clearance in psoriasis patients and maintain efficacy with long-term use.

Panelists discuss how to implement and maintain appropriate laboratory monitoring protocols when prescribing oral JAK inhibitors, ensuring patient safety through regular assessment of key clinical parameters.

An expert discusses the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) prior to surgery, noting higher detection rates in stage III patients compared with stage IIB/C patients, and its significant association with a greater number of involved lymph nodes, extracapsular extension, and clinically evident disease, while also highlighting that all 6 patients with ctDNA detected during the surveillance period developed recurrent melanoma. The expert also provides an overview of the 40-gene expression profile (GEP) test for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk stratification and discusses its utility.

An expert discusses how an important part of personalized photoprotection is providing instructions to patients on how and when to apply and reapply sunscreen. It is advised that sunscreen be applied 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. It is critical for patients to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or 4 times a day, depending on the length of time the patient is outdoors.

Panelists discuss how clinical experience in diagnosing generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) requires recognizing its hallmark features of widespread sterile pustules on inflamed skin, distinguishing it from other pustular conditions, and understanding the genetic mutations and triggers that can precipitate this rare but potentially life-threatening form of psoriasis.