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Lidocaine toxicity a serious risk of laser surgery
February 19th 2005Lidocaine toxicity associated with use of topical anesthetic creams in patients undergoing laser procedures is a major concern that dermatologic surgeons need to be aware of, said Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., speaking in a surgical symposium on "When Bad Things Happen to Good Surgeons."
Methotrexate, TNF inhibitors benefit psoriatic arthritis patients
February 18th 2005Dermatologists should become familiar with both methotrexate and TNF-inhibiting biologic agents to treat the skin and joints because they are often able to diagnose psoriatic arthritis before rheumatologists, Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., said yesterday in his presentation on "Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management."
Final results reported from phase 3b study of efalizumab; Data support long-term efficacy and safety
February 18th 2005Results from a 36-month, open label study demonstrate the efficacy and safety of continuous treatment with efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech) in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, reports Craig L. Leonardi, M.D.
Biologics gaining ground against psoriasis
February 18th 2005Recent studies reveal encouraging news about biologic drugs' ability to battle psoriasis. An overview of the agents includes: Enbrel (etanercept, Immunex) remains the only biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating psoriatic arthritis.
Shaking up traditional thinking about dermatologic therapies
February 11th 2005As a dermatologist for 27 years, Norman Levine, M.D., professor of dermatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, and editorial advisor to Dermatology Times, has gathered new insights from clinical experience, reference books, professional meetings and reviews of treatment modalities.
Strong group synergy at second PDA gathering
February 1st 2005Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Members of the Pigmentary Disorders Academy (PDA) convened here last November for their second annual meeting. While still in its infancy and relatively small in size, the group has already made significant progress as they pursue their mission to optimize care of patients affected by pigmentary disorders.
Leadership: Realize values, execute vision
February 1st 2005If physicians want to give their patients the best possible care and make their practices successful, they must provide leadership. The idea may seem simplistic, but James G. Marks, Jr., M.D., chair of dermatology, Penn State University's Hershey Medical Center, says a doctor can have the best intentions in the world, but if those plans aren't implemented, a lack of leadership will keep the practice from being all it can be.
Topical AK, non-melanoma cancer options show promise
February 1st 2005Newport Beach, Calif. — When it comes to potential topical treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs) and non-melanoma skin cancers, T4N5 liposome lotion (Dimericine, Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics) leads the pack. The product is composed of the protein T4 endonuclease V in a liposome vehicle.
Topical AK, non-melanoma cancer options show promise
February 1st 2005Newport Beach, Calif. — When it comes to potential topical treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs) and non-melanoma skin cancers, T4N5 liposome lotion (Dimericine, Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics) leads the pack. The product is composed of the protein T4 endonuclease V in a liposome vehicle.
Imiquimod may potentiate melanoma vaccine effect
February 1st 2005Newport Beach, Calif. — The immune response modifier imiquimod (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) may have a role as an enhancer of other immunotherapies for melanoma, Noah Craft, M.D., Ph.D. said here at the annual meeting of the Pacific Dermatologic Association (PDA).
Wiping out Akt3 protein can stall tumor development
February 1st 2005National report — The Akt3 protein seems responsible for promoting tumor cell survival and development in 43 percent to 60 percent of noninherited melanomas. And wiping out the protein in melanoma cells could stall tumor development and increase the chemo-sensitivity of this traditionally chemo-resistant cancer, according to a new study.
Storm swirls over drug imports
February 1st 2005National report — With many prescription drugs costing at least twice as much domestically as they do internationally, it's no surprise that patients seek foreign sources for everything from cholesterol killers to dermal fillers. Nor is it surprising that many such purchases can imperil patients' health.