Weekly Roundup: July 13-17

In case you missed it, this week we feature stories about new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, a therapy for recurring blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, a novel injection technique, counseling patients on biologics during COVID-19, a potential biomarker of psychiatric adverse events with isotretinoin use, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for Merkel cell carcinoma, plus more.

Review highlights inroads to understanding blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm

Studies are revealing clinical, molecular, diagnostic and therapeutic findings that are leading to a better understanding of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, and there are promising targeted treatments in the pipeline as well as a growing social media interest.

COVID-19 impact in patients on biologics

Treatment with biologics may worsen infection risk, not prognosis, according to findings from a case-control study comprised of more than 10 million residents of the Lombardia region of Italy.

The Mainstream Patient: July 13

This week's edition features stories in consumer media involving sunscreen terms, facial erythema, inner thigh chafing, pityrosporum folliculitis, how to treat "maskne," plus more.

Anti-CD123-CAR T-cell therapy-radiotherapy combo effectively treats recurring blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm

The 10-year-old male presented after experiencing five months of bilateral knee joint pain. A bone marrow smear and biopsy revealed the boy had blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. Doctors treated him and the patient achieved complete remission. The patient presented with a scalp rash one month after his first complete remission

Injection technique aims to optimize outcomes

A novel filler injection technique may address the different facial areas and compartments as well as respect the line of ligaments for optimal lifting and volumizing effects requiring less filler product.

Behavioral economics concepts guide tactics to promote patient engagement, treatment compliance

Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., describes several tactics based on concepts from behavioral economics that can be implemented in counseling conversations with patients.

COVID-19: Counseling patients on biologic use

A recently published review offers early insight into the risk and prognosis of COVID-19 in individuals receiving biologic therapy, providing recommendations for patient care and counseling.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy advances treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma

Treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma has evolved due to the high aggressiveness and metastatic rate of the tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may change prognosis and quality of life.

Immunotherapy implications for NMSC

The biology of nonmelanoma skin cancers and their strong immunogenicity makes these tumors good candidates for novel and emerging immunotherapeutic agents.

Psoriasis biosimilar approved by FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Mylan and Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics’ adalimumab-fkjp as a biosimilar to AbbVie’s adalimumab for a variety of inflammatory disease including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

FDA approves guselkumab for psoriatic arthritis

Guselkumab becomes the first IL-23 inhibitor approved for treatment of psoriatic arthritis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following positive phase 3 results from two trials investigating the safety and efficacy of the drug.

A ‘biomarker’ of psychiatric adverse effects with isotretinoin?

While recognizing that a patient’s mental health generally improves with isotretinoin use due to improvement in acne symptoms, clinicians may consider screening for insomnia during the course of treatment, as it may be an indicator for vulnerability to side effects, researchers say.

Researchers encourage reporting on hormone therapy in acne trial demographics

Many current acne clinical trials do not consider those patients already on hormone therapy, which researchers say may affect therapeutic outcomes. Authors of a recent study encourage this reporting in future studies to help clinicians better assess how the data might represent a practice population.

Society for Pediatric Dermatology welcomes new president, board members

The Society of Pediatric Dermatology introduces a new president and executive committee for 2020-2021 during their virtual 45th Annual Meeting.

How to get the right fit when hiring

Expert tips and techniques on the best ways to select, hire and retain the right people for your team.