Phototherapy for Psoriasis in the Age of Biologics.

Phototherapy has utility as a psoriatic therapy, given its relatively high clinical efficacy, low side effect profile, and lower cost compared to newer effective treatments like biologics and small molecules. Phototherapy has shown Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-75 and PASI-90 rates comparable to those of biologics and small molecules, with similarly rapid onsets of action, rates of remission, and quality of life scores. Certain patients may particularly benefit from phototherapy, such as those with localized disease or contraindications to systemic immunomodulatory medication.

A focused review of visible light therapies for vitiligo.

Background: Vitiligo can be challenging to treat and exhibit an unpredictable clinical course. Phototherapy in the form of visible light can achieve both repigmentation and depigmentation outcomes in vitiligo, with minimal associated adverse events. This review focuses on the mechanistic understandings and clinical outcomes of visible light-based treatments for vitiligo.

Gender differences in dermatologist practice locations in the United States: A cross-sectional analysis of current gender gaps.

Background: The percentage of female dermatologists has increased from 6.9% in 1970 to 48.9% in 2017.

Patient Ability to Interpret Dermatopathology Reports in an Academic Dermatology Practice.

This survey study assesses patients’ ability to interpret a dermatopathology report.

Creating and Managing a Phototherapy Center.

Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment for many benign and malignant inflammatory cutaneous diseases. Treatment courses require consistent visits over the course of weeks to months, and one barrier for patients in accessing this treatment is the lack of a geographically convenient phototherapy center. To expand access, new phototherapy centers can be created, and this can be done in a series of steps.

Optimizing Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Regimens for Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal epidermal hyperproliferation affecting about 3.2% of adults in the United States. Narrowband UVB (NBUVB) is a commonly used phototherapy option for patients with psoriasis and is an effective first-line therapy for generalized plaque psoriasis.

Trends in phototherapy utilization among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, 2000 to 2015.

Background: Phototherapy is a cost-effective treatment for many dermatoses, yet the emergence of alternative therapies such as biologics led many to think that phototherapy utilization was declining.

Objective: To characterize national, historical phototherapy utilization and costs among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods: Longitudinal analysis of the Medicare Part B National Summary Data File from 2000 to 2015 for phototherapy billing codes.

Medical Scribes in an Academic Dermatology Practice.

This study examines the implementation of a multipractice quality improvement pilot program evaluating medical scribe impact on dermatologist documentation time and physician satisfaction.

Perceptions of U.S. dermatology residency program directors regarding the adequacy of phototherapy training during residency.

Background/purpose: Phototherapy utilization has declined over the last 20 years despite its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Adequacy of phototherapy training in residency may be a contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceptions of U.

Heterogeneity of Metastatic Melanoma: Correlation of MITF With Its Transcriptional Targets MLSN1, PEDF, HMB-45, and MART-1.

Objectives: Histologic and molecular heterogeneity is well recognized in malignant melanoma; however, the diversity of expression of new and classic melanoma markers has not been correlated in serial sections of metastases.

Methods: We examined and correlated the expression of microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) with its transcriptional targets, including melastatin (MLSN1/TRPM1), pigment epithelium-derived factor (SERPINF1/PEDF), SILV/PMEL17/GP100 (human melanoma black 45 [HMB-45]), and melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1)/MLANA, in 13 melanoma metastases in lymph nodes of 13 patients. The expression levels and patterns of marker expression were recorded by a semiquantitative, 4-point ordinal reactivity method.

Hypersensitivity reaction as a harbinger of acute myeloid leukemia: a case report and review of the literature.

Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes comprise a broad spectrum of cutaneous reactions to an underlying malignancy. These dermatoses are not the result of metastatic spread to the skin, but rather a reaction to the presence of malignancy. Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes often precede the identification of a malignancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a review for dermatologists: Part II. Treatment.

Dermatologists are in a key position to treat the manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The management of PCOS should be tailored to each woman's specific goals, reproductive interests, and particular constellation of symptoms. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended.

T-cell distribution and adhesion receptor expression in metastatic melanoma.

Purpose: Metastatic malignant melanoma is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis. Recent therapeutic trials have focused on immunotherapy to induce development of endogenous antitumor immune responses. To date, such protocols have shown success in activation of tumor-specific CTL but no overall improvement in survival.

HMB-45, S-100, NK1/C3, and MART-1 in metastatic melanoma.

The diagnosis of melanoma metastatic to lymph node remains a difficult problem given its histological diversity. We examined the staining patterns of S-100, NK1/C3, HMB-45, and MART-1 (DC10) in melanoma metastases to lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical stains were performed on tissue sections of 126 formalin-fixed lymph nodes from 126 patients with an established diagnosis of metastatic melanoma.