PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Tumor Cells May Be Predictive of Response to Pembrolizumab in Advanced Melanoma: Results from a Pilot Study.

Background: PD-1 inhibitors are routinely used for the treatment of advanced melanoma. This study sought to determine whether PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can serve as a predictive biomarker of clinical benefit and response to treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from patients with metastatic melanoma receiving pembrolizumab, prior to treatment and 6-12 weeks after initiation of therapy.

An Unusual Presentation of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Leading to Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

This is a report of an atypical presentation of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) in a 26-year-old male who had a negative septic screen. The patient had a life-threatening presentation requiring an intensive care unit (ICU) admission for vasopressor support. It was thought that the likely cause of circulatory collapse was an overwhelming cytokine reaction or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) secondary to extensive PG lesions rather than septic shock.

Painful Leg Ulceration in a Poorly Controlled Hypertensive Patient: A Case Report of Martorell Ulcer.

Martorell ulcer is a form of lower limb ulceration, preceded by a small area of excruciating pain. It often appears as a solitary lesion on the outer aspect of the lower limb, and is primarily associated with poorly controlled hypertension and diabetes. Treatment of the ulcer involves awareness and early correct diagnosis, adequate control of blood pressure, management of infection, and wound care.