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National report - Despite a long history of ambitious goals and promises of over-the-counter rejuvenation, the field of antiaging topicals remains young. Still, the science is improving, although many dermatologists contend that many claims are short on evidence.

Boston - Stimulating the body to regenerate itself and repair the damage of aging is the latest goal of anti-aging medicine. One of the founding members of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the first president of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, Vincent C. Giampapa, M.D., F.A.C.S., says research shows that, if given the right conditions, stem cells in the subcutaneous layer of the skin can develop into healthier tissue and inhibit the aging process.

Newport Beach, Calif. - Dermatologists may need to perform both patch tests and product tests on patients to determine the potential for an allergic reaction to various cosmetics, says a presenter at the annual meeting of the Pacific Dermatologic Association.

Because morphology, bcl-2 expression and multicentricity are the strongest predictive factors in multivariate analysis of PCDLBCL, Dr. Ellis proposes that primary subdivision of PCBCL according to anatomic location be abandoned in favor of classification by centroblast/immunoblast morphology.

Z?rich - Among skin cancer vaccines, Canvaxin (CancerVax Corp.) stands alone for reasons that include its unique profile of immunopotent antigens and its evidence for potential efficacy in extensive phase 2 testing. Perhaps more importantly, Canvaxin is currently the only skin cancer vaccine that's in large-scale phase 3 randomized postsurgical adjuvant trials for patients with stage 3 and 4 melanoma. These studies, if positive, will provide the necessary efficacy and safety data to support marketing approval.

Kauai, Hawaii - The availability of methods to test for, prevent and treat osteoporosis gives dermatologists an opportunity to better care for their patients who take corticosteroids - while avoiding malpractice litigation for steroid-induced osteoporosis.

New York - Topical 5-fluorouracil 5 percent cream (Efudex, Valeant) appears to be a low-risk, low-cost, rapidly effective and well-tolerated treatment for common warts in children, according to the results of a pilot study presented by Bari B. Cunningham, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy `04, here this summer.

New York - Topical 5-fluorouracil 5 percent cream (Efudex, Valeant) appears to be a low-risk, low-cost, rapidly effective and well-tolerated treatment for common warts in children, according to the results of a pilot study presented by Bari B. Cunningham, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy `04, here this summer.

New York - Today's digital technology can make capturing, storing and archiving clinical photos seem like a snap. Since no system is foolproof, however, one must match technology with one's comfort zone.

Excessive compensation, in the IRS's eyes, indicated the principal/shareholder was attempting to avoid the double-tax due on dividend income.

Here are a few worthwhile questions and answers on one of the key components of E/M visits - the history. Some questions are pretty basic and some are quiteinteresting, but all are worthwhile.

The candy dish

I soon learned that the candy dish in my office offers much more than just a sweet treat. This un-assuming brass dish is an eye into the inner psyche of my patients.

New York - While cytokines are currently standard therapy for advanced melanoma, cancer vaccines in advanced stages of development could soon change the treatment paradigm, says Howard L. Kaufman, M.D., speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology Academy '04 meeting here recently.

Singapore - New developments in aesthetic dermatology center around patients' increasing desire for quality results and quick treatments that require minimal recovery time or none at all. According to Robert Weiss, M.D., advances in laser treatments make it more possible than ever to offer just that.

National report - According to a recent American Medical Group Association (AMGA) survey, median compensation of dermatologists grew 16.71 percent in 2003, rising from $221,255 to $258,235. How to interpret these figures and determine if they are accurate are subjects of lingering debate.

Washington - Dermatologists should be aware that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is in the process of developing "standards and processes" under the new Medicare drug discount program that takes full effect in January, 2006. The legislation will have a major impact on what drugs are covered and for how much.

Stanford, Calif. - Effective interviewing skills are the foundation for good hiring decisions that will maximize the office environment and productivity, said Kathy Kennady at "The Next Step: Mastering Cutaneous Outpatient Procedures," a continuing education program sponsored by the Stanford University Department of Dermatology.

Boston - Improvements on a non-invasive alternative to liposuction may revolutionize medical procedures in this area, according to a presentation at this year's International Master Course on Aging Skin.