Early Diagnosis of Melanoma and Breast Cancer in Women: Influence of Body Image Perception.

The diagnosis of melanoma and breast cancer may impact many aspects of life with significant reductions in emotional functioning and quality of life. The aim of the study was to analyze the emotional traits of female patients with oncological in early-stage diagnosis, investigating predictors for psychological distress and analyzing body image perception. An observational study was conducted, A sample of 84 female cancer patients (age range 30-55 years) with melanoma ( = 42) and breast cancer diagnosis ( = 42).

Merkel cell carcinoma: an updated overview of clinico-pathological aspects, molecular genetics and therapy.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma of uncertain origin. MCC incidence varies by country and has been increasing among white populations over the last three decades. MCC occurs most commonly in elderly men and typically arises on sun-exposed areas.

Predictive role of vitamin A serum concentration in psoriatic patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors to prevent skin and systemic fungal infections.

The use of biological drugs in psoriasis is replacing traditional therapies due to their specific mechanism and limited side effects. However, the use of Interleukin 17 inhibitors and the modification of its cytokine pathway could favor the risk of fungal infections. All-trans retinoic acid is an active metabolite of vitamin A with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties through its capacity to stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity and to its effects on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in a variety of immune cells.

Melanocytic lesion in children and adolescents: an Italian observational study.

Malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm in the pediatric age group. One of the main risks factors is represented by the presence of a high number of melanocytic nevi. Sun exposure in pediatric age represents a predictor of melanocytic nevi number in the adult age and there is a direct correlation between the presence of melanocytic moles in early childhood and the development of many nevi in adults, suggesting that a high number of nevi in childhood should be considered as a predictor of melanoma development during adult life.

Transglutaminase 3 Reduces the Severity of Psoriasis in Imiquimod-Treated Mouse Skin.

Four transglutaminase (TG) isoforms have been detected in epidermal keratinocytes: TG1, TG2, TG3, and TG5. Except for TG1 and TG3, their contribution to keratinocyte development and structure remains undefined. In this paper, we focused on the roles of TG2 and TG3 in imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mouse skin.

Combined Optokinetic Treatment and Vestibular Rehabilitation to Reduce Visually Induced Dizziness in a Professional Ice Hockey Player After Concussion: A Clinical Case.

The appropriate detection and therapy of concussion symptoms are of great importance to avoid long-term impairment and absence from pre-concussive activities, such as sport, school or work. Post-traumatic headache and dizziness are known as risk factors of persistent symptoms after a concussion. Dizziness has even been classified as a predictor for symptom persistence.

Rapid Production of Physiologic Dendritic Cells (phDC) for Immunotherapy.

Generation of large numbers of dendritic cells (DC) for research or immunotherapeutic purposes typically involves in vitro conversion of murine bone marrow precursors or human blood monocytes to DC via cultivation with supraphysiologic concentrations of cytokines such as GM-CSF and IL-4 for up to 7 days. Alternatively, our group has recently established a new approach, based on the underlying mechanism of action of a widely used cancer immunotherapy termed Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy (ECP). Our method of rapid and cytokine-free production of therapeutically relevant DC populations, leveraging the innate physiologic programs likely responsible for DC differentiation from blood monocytes in vivo, potentially offers a novel, inexpensive, and easily accessible source of DC for clinical and research uses.

Intra-patient Heterogeneity of BRAF and NRAS Molecular Alterations in Primary Melanoma and Metastases.

Mutations in MAPK signalling genes are driver events in melanoma, and have therapeutic relevance in the metastatic and adjuvant setting. This study evaluated the intra-patient heterogeneity of BRAF, NRAS and c-KIT mutational status between 30 primary melanomas and 39 related metastases, using molecular analysis and immunohistochemistry. BRAF mutations were identified in 46.

Efficacy and safety of Vismodegib treatment in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma and multiple comorbidities.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in Caucasians, and its incidence is increasing. Most BCCs are treated surgically, nevertheless surgery is not an effective treatment for locally advanced or metastatic BCC. Alterations in hedgehog signaling pathway, a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation during development, are implicated in the pathogenesis of basal-cell carcinoma.

Novel Protocol for Generating Physiologic Immunogenic Dendritic Cells.

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a widely used cancer immunotherapy for cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), operative in over 350 university centers worldwide. While ECP's clinical efficacy and exemplary safety profile have driven its widespread use, elucidation of the underlying mechanisms has remained a challenge, partly owing to lack of a laboratory ECP model. To overcome this obstacle and create a simple, user-friendly platform for ECP research, we developed a scaled-down version of the clinical ECP leukocyte-processing device, suitable for work with both mouse models, and small human blood samples.

Safety and efficacy of certolizumab pegol in a real-life cohort of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The aim of this observational study was to assess safety and efficacy of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in a real-life cohort of patients affected by psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who had an inadequate response to previous systemic immunosuppressive treatments, with a follow-up of 24 weeks. Twelve patients with PsO and PsA, referring to our Dermatology/Rheumatology combined outpatient clinic, were enrolled. Primary endpoints were safety and efficacy of CZP, defined as statistically significant improvement of DAPSA, clinical DAPSA and PASI.

Telomeres and Telomerase in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The role of telomere biology and telomerase activation in skin cancers has been investigated in melanoma and basal cell carcinoma but limited evidence is available for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We will review the current knowledge on the role of telomere and telomerase pathway in cSCC pathogenesis. At the somatic level, both long and short telomere lengths have been described in cSCC.

Effects of topical 0.8% piroxicam and 50+ sunscreen filters on actinic keratosis in hypertensive patients treated with or without photosensitizing diuretic drugs: an observational cohort study.

Background: Photosensitizing diuretics use (especially thiazide compounds) is associated with a significantly higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precursor of SCC.

Study Aim: To evaluate in a prospective cohort study the efficacy of topical piroxicam 0.

Current developments in pharmacotherapy for actinic keratosis.

Introduction: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a superficial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) where chronic sun exposure playing central role in its pathogenesis. UVB causes direct damage to DNA, producing pyrimidine dimers, and suppressing the protective role of p53. The stepwise progression of AK, with increased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, favors progression to SCC.

The efficacy and tolerability of 5-aminolevulinic acid 5% thermosetting gel photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. A two-center, prospective assessor-blinded, proof-of-concept study.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, commonly treated with topical or systemic drugs, according to the severity of the condition. Retinoids and antibiotic compounds are considered cornerstone approaches in this condition. However, low adherence to the therapy and the issue of bacterial resistance undermine the efficacy in the long term.

Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy Drives Monocyte-to-Dendritic Cell Maturation to Induce Anticancer Immunity.

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a cancer immunotherapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) operative in more than 350 centers worldwide. Although its efficacy and favorable safety profile have driven its widespread use, elucidation of its underlying mechanism has been difficult. In this study, we identify the principal contributors to the anticancer immunotherapeutic effects of ECP, with the goal of enhancing potency and broadening applicability to additional malignancies.

Transparency and Dermatologic Device Approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Importance: The US Food and Drug Administration approves Class III medical devices via the premarket approval pathway, often requiring clinical data on safety and efficacy. Manufacturers can submit incremental device changes via supplemental applications, which are not subjected to such vetting measures and can cause understudied changes that lead to drift from a device's original design.

Objectives: To characterize the postapproval changes to Class III dermatologic devices and to evaluate inconsistencies in the use of the premarket approval pathway.

Treatment of Multiple Actinic Keratosis and Field of Cancerization with Topical Piroxicam 0.8% and Sunscreen 50+ in Organ Transplant Recipients: A Series of 10 Cases.

Organ transplant recipient (OTR) subjects are at high risk of skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis (AK) is considered the precursor of these non-melanoma skin cancers. Sun protection is mandatory in subjects with AK and this preventive strategy is very important in OTR.