The Value of Clinician Collaboration for Skin Cancer Care

Angad Chadha, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Chicago, recently spoke with Dermatology Times ahead of his sessions at the NP/PA Connect Cutaneous Oncology Workshop. Chadha previewed 2 upcoming presentations covering gene expression profiling in skin cancer and management of cutaneous side effects associated with immunotherapy. He described cutaneous oncology as a routine and constant part of dermatology practice.

Value Of Cutaneous Education For NPs and PAs

Chadha said cutaneous oncology, including both cancer treatment and management of related complications, forms a routine and constant portion of dermatology practice. He noted a formal educational setting benefits NPs and PAs, who often rely on informal training gained on the job rather than structured instruction.

"It's the bread and butter. Everyone sees it all day, every day," Chadha said.

He added that access to expert perspectives from leaders in the field allows NPs and PAs to bring new knowledge back to their own practices, describing the exchange as reciprocal. Chadha noted the workshop audience consisted entirely of NPs and PAs, without physicians present, and said attendees often relay clinical updates from sessions like this one to the physicians they work alongside.

"Getting some expert opinion from folks who are at the leading edge of their field is really helpful, and then they can bring that knowledge back," Chadha said. "It's always a two-way street."

Upcoming Sessions On Gene Profiling And Immunotherapy Side Effects

Chadha previewed two topics he planned to present later at the workshop. The first addresses the use of gene expression profiling for various skin cancers. He framed both talks as part of a broader effort to push the boundaries of current knowledge and improve patient care.

"I think shortly I'm going to be chatting about the use of gene expression profiling for various skin cancers," Chadha said.

The second focuses on management of cutaneous side effects of immunotherapy, an area he described as central to his clinical practice.

"It's a topic that's near and dear to my heart, which is what most of my practice is based on," Chadha said.

Chadha noted the workshop also included morning sessions on dermoscopy updates aimed at encouraging more judicious use of biopsies, part of a broader effort to refine cutaneous oncology knowledge for NPs and PAs. He said continued refinement of this knowledge base benefits both clinicians and the patients they treat.