Chlorambucil-Induced Radiation Recall Dermatitis.

A 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Figure 1). She was treated with six cycles of cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin (vincristine), and prednisolone (CHOP) and three cycles of fludarabine and mitoxantrone. Ten months later she received radiotherapy to the left groin (total dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks) without complications.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) randomized trial of palliative treatment of incurable locally advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CHT) in limited resource setting.

Background: To optimize palliation in incurable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a prospective randomized study (NCT00864331) comparing protracted palliative radiotherapy (RT) course with chemotherapy (CHT) followed by short-course palliative RT.

Methods And Materials: Treatment-naive patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC, stage IIIA/IIIB, received either 39Gy in 13 fractions as RT alone (arm A, n=31) or 2-3 platinum-based CHT cycles followed by 10Gy in a single fraction or 16Gy in 2 fractions separated by one week (arm B, n=34). Primary outcome was overall survival.

Phase II study of single-agent bosutinib, a Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer pretreated with chemotherapy.

Background: This phase II study evaluated single-agent bosutinib in pretreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Patients received oral bosutinib 400 mg/day. The primary end point was the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 16 weeks.

Superficial and medium-depth chemical peels.

The use of chemicals for facial rejuvenation has been explored since ancient times. A sound knowledge of skin anatomy and wound healing is important for understanding the principles of chemical peeling. Chemical peels are classified according to the depth of skin resurfacing produced.

Setting up the first genitourinary clinic in Malta and an audit of the initial performance.

Background: The first genitourinary (GU) clinic was set up in Malta in January 2000. An audit was conducted to evaluate the demand for such a service and its effectiveness during the first 6 years after its introduction.

Method: Case notes from the first 6 years were reviewed, and data were collected for gender, age, sexual orientation, symptoms, diagnosis, condom use, referral source, total number of attendances, and contact tracing.

Skin phototypes of a Maltese sample population.

Background And Aim: Skin phototyping is a clinical classification system based on a patient's historical reporting of the acute skin response to sunlight. We carried out a simple study to estimate the skin phototypes of the Maltese people in order to acquire more information on the relative risk of the general Maltese population to sun burning and to the more chronic effects of sun exposure, including photoaging and skin cancers.

Method: A consultant dermatologist and dermatology trainees determined the skin phototype of patients seen with skin infections or skin tags at dermatology outpatients in Malta by carrying out a short interview.

A profile of invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma in Malta: 1993-2002.

Background: The incidence of malignant melanoma of the skin has risen in every part of the world where reliable cancer registration data are found.

Objective: Our study aims to describe the changing incidence of and survival from invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma in Malta, by analysing the data from the 211 cases that were registered at the Malta National Cancer Registry between 1993 and 2002.

Results: The age standardized incidence rates for invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma rose from 3.

Comparison of the ESTRO formalism for monitor unit calculation with a Clarkson based algorithm of a treatment planning system and a traditional "full-scatter" methodology.

The ESTRO formalism for monitor unit (MU) calculations was evaluated and implemented to replace a previous methodology based on dosimetric data measured in a full-scatter phantom. This traditional method relies on data normalised at the depth of dose maximum (Zm), as well as on the utilisation of the BJR 25 table for the conversion of rectangular fields into equivalent square fields. The treatment planning system (TPS) was subsequently updated to reflect the new beam data normalised at a depth ZR of 10 cm.

Methotrexate for psoriasis: current European practice. A postal survey.

The aim of this survey was to determine current practice throughout Europe regarding use and monitoring of methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. A structured questionnaire with questions on methotrexate prescribing and monitoring was mailed to 150 dermatologists in 32 European countries in June 2002. Dermatologists' names were chosen at random from the 2001 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology membership directory.

Sun awareness in Maltese secondary school students.

Background: Studies indicate that reducing exposure to ultraviolet light during childhood and adolescence decreases the risk of skin cancer. From a young age, children need to be educated about the sun's harmful effects on the skin and how best to protect themselves.

Objective: To help in the design of school-based interventions to raise sun awareness, a school survey was carried out to identify students' stereotypes and misconceptions.

Melanoma-like pigmented cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma.

We report a case of breast carcinoma that presented with pigmented cutaneous metastases clinically mimicking malignant melanoma. The pigmented nature of the tumour was probably caused by melanin release from the damaged epidermis (following invasion and destruction by tumour cells) and subsequent phagocytosis by melanophages. Clinically visible pigmentation in cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma has been described previously but is very uncommon.

Allergic reactions to glyceryl trinitrate and isosorbide dinitrate demonstrating cross-sensitivity.

Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) has been in use for relief of angina for over a hundred years, but allergic reactions to it or to other organic nitrates rarely feature in the medical literature. Most of the case reports describe reactions to transdermally applied nitroglycerin. We report a case of a localized allergic reaction to nitroglycerin transdermal patches that developed when these were worn for the first time after 7 days of uneventful treatment with intravenous isosorbide dinitrate.

Sun awareness and sun protection practices in Malta.

Background: Concern regarding the rising incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in Malta has led to the organization of annual campaigns since the early 1990s. These aim to inform the public of the dangers of sun exposure and to promote sun protection.

Objective: To help guide future campaigns, a survey was carried out to evaluate current sun protection measures among the Maltese people and to assess their level of knowledge regarding harmful effects of the sun on the skin.

The value of colloid dressings in psoriasis.

In a bilateral paired comparison study 39 patients with plaque psoriasis completed a 4 week study using hydrocolloid dressing alone, twice daily Betamethasone propionate cream alone, or both therapies combined and applied every 7 days.

Azathioprine in dermatological practice. An overview with special emphasis on its use in non-bullous inflammatory dermatoses.

Azathioprine is employed for its immunosuppressive properties, as a steroid-sparing agent or as monotherapy. Its most traditional clinical indications are connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, post-transplant, and immunobullous dermatoses. The main disadvantages of azathioprine therapy are a delayed onset of action (6-8 weeks), and rare profound bone marrow toxicity.