Skin Cancer Articles

Basal Cell Carcinoma Gene Mutations Differ Between Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian Patients: A Pilot Study

Marissa Lobl BS, Blake Hass BS, Dillon Clarey MD, Shauna Higgins MD, Adam Sutton MD MBA, Ashley Wysong MD MS

To our knowledge, no published studies have evaluated differences in specific somatic gene mutations in basal cell carcinoma for patients of different races,  ethnicities and/or skin of color. This pilot study aims to analyze the somatic gene mutations and how they might differ between Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5):504-510. doi:10.36849/JDD.5884

The Potential Efficacy of β-Blockers on Melanoma Survival: A Narrative Review

Mohamad Goldust MD, Zoe Apalla MD, Jacek C. Szepietowski MD, Mrinal Gupta MD, Torello Lotti MD

β-blockers have recently demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies to reduce recurrence and to correlate with better overall survival in meta-static melanoma as an additional supportive treatment option. Our aim is to evaluate the role and current status of β-blockers in melanoma management. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(4):380-383. doi:10.36849/JDD.5673

A Review of Hedgehog Inhibitors for Treatment of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma

Michael Migden MD, Aaron S Farberg MD, Reinhard Dummer MD, Nicholas Squittieri MD, C. William Hanke MD

The systemic Hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs) are the only approved pharmacologic treatment option for advanced basal carcinoma. This review compares efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics based on published literature to date. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(2):156-165. doi:10.36849/JDD.2021.5657   [FREE]

A Non-Surgical and Cost-Effective Treatment Approach Employing A Unique Topical Combination for Primary Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

William J. Nahm BA, John Shen MD, Patrick M. Zito DO PharmD, Adrianna M. Gonzalez MD, Nicole Nagrani MD, Kevin Moore MD MPH, Evangelos V. Badiavas MD PhD, Robert S. Kirsner MD PhD, Anna J. Nichols MD PhD

Alternative approaches to treating non-melanoma skin cancers remain limited and unproven. We assess the efficacy of varying combinations of anti-tumor topical agents—5% cream,  2% solution, and 0.1% cream—with brief cryotherapy in treating non-melanoma skin cancers.

Impact of a 31-gene Expression Profiling Test for Cutaneous Melanoma on Dermatologists’ Clinical Management Decision 

Aaron S. Farberg MD, Alex M. Glazer MD, Richard White MS, and Darrell S. Rigel MD MS

Following a diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), patients are often guided for subsequent management by their dermatologist and national guideline recommendations. Guidelines recommend diagnostic tests and additional evaluation which may provide defined treatment protocols, surveillance, and follow-up. Unfortunately, these recommendations fall short. [FREE]

The Influence of Supportive Oncodermatology Interventions on Patient Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Survey 

Leora Aizman , Kamaria Nelson , Andrew D. Sparks , Adam J. Friedman

Supportive oncodermatology is a growing field that provides treatment and preventive care to oncology patients who experience dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) secondary to cytotoxic and targeted cancer treatments. Novel cancer therapies that impede the proliferation of cancer cells often target other rapidly proliferating organ systems and can lead to unfavorable skin, hair, and nail alterations. The most commonly documented dAEs include papulopustular rash, xerosis, pruritus, nail changes, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and hand-foot skin reaction. Over 50% of cancer patients experience an interruption in therapy secondary to dAEs. All patients receiving anticancer therapy may be vulnerable to dAEs and the consequent impacts on wellness and treatment adherence.

Real-World Utility of a Non-Invasive Gene Expression Test to Rule Out Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: A Large US Registry Study 

Brook Brouha , Laura K. Ferris , Maral K. Skelsey , Gary Peck , Ronald Moy , Zuxu Yao , Burkhard Jansen

Histologic criteria to distinguish between benign and malignant are overlapping and are in nature subjective, affecting the performance of our existing mainstay of establishing diagnoses in pigmented lesion management. Dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, or computer-aided image analysis generally do not overcome issues and challenges after biopsy decisions have been made.

Long-Term Benefits of Daily Photo-Protection With a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen in United States Hispanic Female Population 

Pearl Grimes , Rebat Halder , Michele Verschoore , Janet Wangari-Talbot , Kumar Pillai , Peter Foltis , Charbel Bouez , Angelike Galdi , Deena Abdelhalim , I-Chien Liao , Qian Zheng

This study is to our knowledge the first one to demonstrate the benefits of long-term daily use of sunscreen on signs of aging and pigmentary concerns in patients with higher phototypes. There is in general a lack of knowledge on the long-term impact of daily photoprotection on skin of color. We investigated SPF 30/PPD 20 (Persistent Pigmentation Darkening rating = UVA protection) use in phototype IV and V Hispanic females versus a real life population without use. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(3): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4836  [FREE]

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Superficial Radiation Therapy in Subjects With Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: A Retrospective Registry Study 

William Roth , Robert E. Beer , Vivek Iyengar , Thomas Bender , Isabelle Raymond

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and numerous less common skin tumors. NMSCs are the commonest form of malignancy among Caucasians and its incidence continues to rise worldwide. Although Mohs surgery has traditionally been regarded as the gold-standard for treating NMSC, it may not be suitable for the elderly due to frailty, limited life-expectancy, and comorbidities.

Non-Invasive Buccal Swab Gene Testing for Skin Cancer Risk 

Lauren Moy MD, Alexis B. Lyons MD, William Fox MS, Marcie A. Glicksman PhD, Ronald Moy MD, Rebecca Tung MD

Major DNA repair defects can give rise to cancer-prone phenotypes. This phenomenon is illustrated in xeroderma pigmentosum, a disease with mutated repair genes that predispose patients to extreme UV sensitivity and 2,000-fold risk of non-melanoma skin cancers and other malignancies.  The variants in DNA repair genes for the general population and the association with cancer risk is not yet well understood.

Skin Cancer Epidemiology and Sun Protection Behaviors Among Native Americans 

Melody Maarouf MHS,  Shannon W. Zullo BS, Timothy DeCapite MD, Vivian Y. Shi MD

Despite the prevalence of Native Americans residing in UV-intense US regions, there is very limited data on skin cancer in this population. In the last 20 years, only 11 publications have mentioned Native American sun protection behavior and skin cancer prevalence. We aim to fill the knowledge gap on skin cancer epidemiology and sun protection behaviors in Native Americans.

Is It Time to Rethink What Thickness Really Means as a Prognostic Indicator in Melanoma? Ten Questions We Should Be Asking Ourselves 

Marc L. Frost MD, Katherine Hrynewycz MD, C. William Hanke MD

With the advent of gene expression profile (GEP) assays for melanoma and the discovery of multiple melanoma subtypes. We present ten questions for consideration by the shrewd practitioner when considering prognostic factors of melanoma.

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Podcast Episodes

Support the (On)cause: A Practical Review of Supportive Oncodermatology

Dr. Mario Lacatoure joins podcast host Dr. Adam Friedman to discuss the array of cutaneous clusters that not only can, but are almost expected to occur during cancer therapy. Learn how even simple OTC products can contribute to both ameliorating and even preventing some of these sequelae.

Identifying Gaps in Sun Protection Perceptions and Use in Native Americans

Dr. Vivian Shi’s most recent study highlights clear shortcomings in the Native American communities in Arizona. Tune in to hear how this study came to light, what unique concerns and issues impede proper sun protection.

Variations in Skin Cancer Screening Practices Among Dermatologist

Dr. Adam Friedman and Dr. Evan Rieder (double board-certified in dermatology and psychiatry) in the U.S., discuss “Dermatologist Practices During Total Body Skin Examinations: A Survey Study.” Do we all do it the same? Are we all checking every nook and cranny? Do we need better standardization for our greatest weapon to enable early and life saving skin cancer detection?

Case Reports

Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Nasal Vestibule

We report the first case of BCC in the nasal vestibule. Read how the lesion was treated.

Combination Topical Chemotherapy for the Treatment of an Invasive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Surgery may not be ideal for elderly patients with numerous lesions, who are poor surgical candidates or who refuse surgery. Topical 5-FU and immune response inhibitor cream have been studied off-label as monotherapies in the treatment of SCC in situ with promising results.

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Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising Within a Linear Porokeratosis

A case of linear porokeratosis with recurrent malignant degeneration to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) recurring six years after excision of initial SCC. Physical examination revealed a 3.5 x 2.7 cm friable tumor on the left proximal posterior thigh.

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JDD Blog

Dermatology RoundupJDD HighlightsJDD in the MediaPsoriasisSkin CancerThe Latest
June 22, 2023

Dermatology Roundup: Study Explains What Drives Psoriasis Severity, HS Docuseries Premieres

By Allison Sit Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine have determined what may drive psoriasis severity and how the disease impacts the rest of the body. The study, published…
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May 22, 2023

Dermatology Roundup: World’s Smallest Skin Cancer, Simple Treatment for Acute Radiation Dermatitis

By Allison Sit A judge from the Guinness World Records recently commended an OHSU dermatologist and colleagues for catching the “Smallest Detected Skin Cancer.” The lesion, which was 0.65 millimeters,…
Atopic DermatitisDermatology RoundupJDD HighlightsJDD in the MediaSkin CancerThe Latest
April 26, 2023

Dermatology Roundup: AAD Elects First African-American Leader, NEA Offers $1 Million in Research Grants

By Allison Sit The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has elected Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, to lead the organization. She is the first dermatologist of African-American descent and sixth…
Dermatology RoundupJDD HighlightsJDD in the MediaSkin CancerThe Latest
March 30, 2023

Dermatology Roundup: Stopping Immune Cell Escape Could Enhance Skin Cancer Treatment, Cetaphil Launches New AI Skin Analysis Tool

By Allison Sit New research from NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center discovered that stopping the escape of immune cells from tumors could enhance skin cancer treatment. The…