Persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation--a possible cutaneous manifestation of HIV infection or a normal racial variant: a report of 3 cases.

Persistent serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation (PSSH) describes a hyperpigmentation of the skin overlying peripheral veins. This cutaneous finding is typically seen in association with systemic chemotherapy or collagen vascular diseases such as progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Three dark-skinned patients with idiopathic serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation (ISSH) without collagen vascular disease or prior intravenous cytotoxic treatments were reported.

A positive FGFR3/FOXN1 feedback loop underlies benign skin keratosis versus squamous cell carcinoma formation in humans.

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are common, benign epithelial tumors of the skin that do not, or very rarely, progress into malignancy, for reasons that are not understood. We investigated this by gene expression profiling of human SKs and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and found that several genes previously connected with keratinocyte tumor development were similarly modulated in SKs and SCCs, whereas the expression of others differed by only a few fold. In contrast, the tyrosine kinase receptor FGF receptor-3 (FGFR3) and the transcription factor forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) were highly expressed in SKs, and close to undetectable in SCCs.

A prospective randomized trial of topical pimecrolimus for cetuximab-associated acnelike eruption.

Background: Clinical trials addressing the acneiform rash associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are lacking.

Objective: We evaluated the ability of topical pimecrolimus to reduce the severity of cetuximab-related facial rash.

Methods: In all, 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with cetuximab facial rash received twice daily pimecrolimus application for 5 weeks to half of the face.

Linear erosive herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised patients: the "knife-cut sign".

Herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients may be misdiagnosed because of its atypical presentation. We present 3 cases of herpes simplex virus presenting as intertriginous fissures similar to the "knife-cut" ulcers associated with metastatic Crohn's disease. Our experience suggests that intertriginous fissures due to herpes simplex virus are recognizable patterns of viral infections in immunocompromised hosts.

Randomized double-blind trial of prophylactic oral minocycline and topical tazarotene for cetuximab-associated acne-like eruption.

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of either oral minocycline, topical tazarotene or both, to reduce or prevent cetuximab-related acneiform rash when administered starting on day 1 of cetuximab therapy.

Patients And Methods: Metastatic colorectal cancer patients preparing to initiate cetuximab were randomly assigned to receive daily oral minocycline or placebo, and to receive topical tazarotene application to either left or right side of the face. Both therapies were administered for 8 weeks.

Notch1 is a p53 target gene involved in human keratinocyte tumor suppression through negative regulation of ROCK1/2 and MRCKalpha kinases.

Little is known about the regulation and function of the Notch1 gene in negative control of human tumors. Here we show that Notch1 gene expression and activity are substantially down-modulated in keratinocyte cancer cell lines and tumors, with expression of this gene being under p53 control in these cells. Genetic suppression of Notch signaling in primary human keratinocytes is sufficient, together with activated ras, to cause aggressive squamous cell carcinoma formation.

Early melanoma diagnosis: a success story that leaves room for improvement.

Purpose Of Review: Early diagnosis has the greatest potential for short-term impact on melanoma mortality. We highlight recent trends in early melanoma detection and address the related challenges and opportunities.

Recent Findings: Significant strides have been made in the early diagnosis of melanoma.