Topical immunomodulation with diphenylcyclopropenone for alopecia areata: the Lebanese experience.

Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is a treatment that can be used in patients with alopecia areata (AA) with more than 50% involvement of the scalp. The aim of this study is to assess the response of our patients with AA treated with topical immunotherapy with DPCP at the American University of Beirut-Medical Center (AUB-MC) and to characterize the favorable prognostic factors that predict response to treatment. This is a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with AA at AUB-MC and treated with topical immunotherapy with DPCP over a period of 10 years.

Transformation in mycosis fungoides: the role of methotrexate.

Background: Large cell transformation in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) has been well reported in the literature. Although the risk factors have not been clearly elucidated, advanced stage seems to be associated with a higher incidence of transformation. Because MF is a rare disorder, little is known about the influence of other factors such as immunosuppressive therapy in the occurrence of transformation.

Cancer skills laboratories for medical students: a promising approach for cancer education.

Background: Most medical students graduate without the skills necessary to assist patients in cancer control. To address this problem, the authors developed a cancer skills laboratory for second-year medical students.

Methods: The skills laboratory consists of two hours of training, with 15 minutes allotted per station (six to eight students assigned per station).

Early detection of cutaneous lymphoma.

Cutaneous lymphomas comprise a spectrum of diseases characterized by infiltration of the skin by malignant lymphocytes. The clinical manifestations of cutaneous lymphomas vary, and they can mimic benign dermatoses, as well as nodal or visceral malignancies with cutaneous spread. Cutaneous lymphomas are divided into T-cell lymphomas and B-cell lymphomas.