Dermatology Times 2024 In Review: Skin Cancer

DermTech’s 2-GEP Assay Succeeds at Guiding Biopsy Decision-Making for Ambiguous Skin Lesions of All Skin Phototypes

The promising results were presented in a poster at the 2024 Winter Clinical Hawaii Dermatology Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dermoscopy Combined With Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Improves Diagnostic Accuracy of AHLM/LMMs

A study found that combining dermoscopy with RCM not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also improved diagnostic certainty.

Superficial X-Ray a Well-Tolerated, Non-Surgical Option for Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas

SXRT may present a cost-effective and surgery-free therapeutic option for patients with non-aggressive BCC and SCC.

Traveling Skin Cancer Screenings Boost Awareness and Early Detection

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s initiative, Destination Healthy Skin, travels to various cities throughout the country in an RV, wherein volunteer dermatologists provide on-the-street, free-of-cost skin screenings.

New Melanoma Metastasis Risk Prediction Tool Debuts

The test may help patients with melanoma safely avoid a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Trust 2 Study Validates DermTech’s 2-GEP 99% Negative Predictive Value

The 2-GEP test is made of 2 biomarkers, LINC00518 and PRAME.

Drug Combination May Benefit Patients with Transplanted Kidneys, Advanced Skin Cancers

In most kidney transplant recipients with advanced skin cancer, 2 checkpoint inhibitors are needed to boost the immune system, according to study

Serving Those Who Serve Our Communities: Melanoma in Veterans and Firefighters

Rebecca Hartman, MD, MPH, FAAD, and Christine Kannler, MD, FAAD, took a deep dive into considerations and pearls to treat patients who have been exposed to extreme heat and chemicals in the line of duty.

Advocating for Mohs Surgery in Prison Populations

Vulnerable populations such as the prison population should have access to Mohs surgery to prevent the increased risk of morbidity and mortality from skin cancer.

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Enhances Detection Sensitivity for Flat Amelanotic/Hypomelanotic Melanoma Differential Diagnosis

Diagnostic accuracy of lesions was enhanced with combined dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, according to one study.

Facial Skin Cancer Surgery Yields Low and Improved Scores For Perceived Stigmatization, Body Image Concerns, and Psychosocial Distress

A review found that Mohs micrographic surgery and conventional excision yielded comparable patient reported outcomes.

Optical Coherence Tomography in Preoperative Mapping of BCC: A Novel Approach to Optimizing Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Study findings suggest OCT's effectiveness in accurately diagnosing and mapping BCC, with a high predictive capability for Mohs surgery requirements.

Tumor Diameter of Melanoma Demonstrates Statistically Significant Correlation With Survival

Researchers found that the diameter of cutaneous melanoma demonstrated a weak positive correlation with tumor thickness.

Sonidegib Plus Calcium Supplementation for Improved Management of BCC and HHI-Related Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are the most common adverse event experienced by patients treated with hedgehog inhibitors for basal cell carcinomas.

Mohs Surgical Training Around the World: Need for Standardized Database

While MMS is recognized as the gold standard for skin cancer treatment, numerous challenges still hinder widespread adoption and practice.

Moderna and Merck Announce New 3-Year Data for mRNA-4157 Combined With Pembrolizumab for High-Risk Stage III/IV Melanoma

Phase 3 trials have been initiated in patients with high-risk melanoma.

An Increase in Skin Cancer Calls for an Increase in Treatment Options

To address the increased rates of skin cancer while keeping unique patient needs top of mind, there is a pressing need to increase options for treatment.

Evaluating Lifileucel and Pembrolizumab in Advanced Melanoma

Peter Prieto, MD, MPH, shares details of the IOV-COM-202 trial.

Factors Influencing Margin Clearance and Number of Stages of Mohs Surgery in BCC Management

A recent study offers a comprehensive analysis of practice patterns and patient characteristics in different clinical settings.

New Clinical Guidelines for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Published by Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy

The guidelines for BCC and SCC treatment with IGSRT detail diagnosis, staging, contraindications, protocols, and emphasize the essential role of a multidisciplinary team.

Deep Histological Margins Do Not Increase cSCC Recurrence Risk if Tumor is Fully Excised

Margins < 1 mm also do not increase the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma recurrence risk if the galea aponeurotica is not involved.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Vismodegib for Complex Basal Cell Carcinomas

To improve overall outcomes for patients with large basal cell carcinomas, it has been beneficial to employ the use of vismodegib as a neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant treatment.

Surgery Exhibits Superior Efficacy for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ

A comprehensive analysis of 71 studies revealed the highest lesion clearance and recurrence rates among individuals who had undergone surgery.

Experts Report Moderate Patient Adherence to Melanoma Screening and Surveillance Program

Researchers tailored screening and surveillance schedules to individual risk of patients.

IBI363 Monotherapy Granted Fast Track Designation in US for Advanced Melanoma

The PD-1/IL-2α bispecific antibody fusion protein is intended for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic melanoma.

Research Highlights Disparities in Melanoma Knowledge and Care

Swiss researchers found significant gender differences in melanoma care, including variations in information preferences and treatment decision-making.

New Data Indicates DermaSensor Effectively Assists Primary Care Clinicians in Differentiating Between Cancerous and Benign Skin Lesions

Data was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Neoadjuvant Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil Injection: Improved SCC Treatment in Older Patients

Nicole A. Negbenebor, MD, FAAD, discusses the benefits of intralesional 5-fluorouracil injection for older patients with squamous cell carcinoma who may elect to delay therapy or are not ideal candidates for surgery.

Impact of Malignant Melanoma on Employment and Work Ability

The study underscores the importance of addressing work-related concerns for patients with melanoma, advocating for effective communication about rehabilitation options.

Participant Motivations Key to Success in Clinical Trials

Motivators like health benefits, altruism, and trust in clinicians enhance participant retention and adherence in melanoma research, according to MEL-SELF findings.

Pediatric Melanoma in Review: Providing Considerations for Dermatologists

Pediatric melanoma, though rare, is the deadliest skin cancer in children, with 300-500 US cases annually.

Heart Transplant Recipients are More Susceptible to Skin Cancer

Certain factors may contribute to higher occurrences of non-melanoma skin cancer in these patients, according to a novel systemic review.

New Algorithm Proposes Targeted Lipase Monitoring for Pancreatic Adverse Events In Melanoma

Researchers recommend limiting routine lipase tests to symptomatic patients or those with radiographic signs of pancreatic injury.

UV and Outdoor Sports: The Importance of Coaches in Educating Athletes

Despite the risks of sun exposure, a study found only a fraction of coaches receive adequate UV-related guidance from their associations or clubs.

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