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Analysis favors single-agent chemotherapy in melanoma tx
February 5th 2008London - Results of a British meta-analysis suggest that there is no evidence to support the concept that clinicians should use a combination of biological therapies and chemotherapy instead of the commonly used single-agent chemotherapy regimen for patients with metastatic melanoma, news source MedicalNewsToday.com reports.
Isolagen reports progress in nasolabial-fold therapy trials
February 5th 2008Exton, Pa. - Biotech company Isolagen announced recently that injections have been completed in the phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the Isolagen Therapy for the treatment of nasolabial folds, and that trial subjects are now in the follow-up period, PRNewswire reports.
Melanoma-initiating cells could be targeted in tx resistance
February 5th 2008Cambridge, Mass. - Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a population of cells capable of initiating human melanomas, which could be targeted in cases of resistance to systemic therapy, HealthDay News reports.
Effect of vitamin D receptor genotype on the relationship between sun exposure and melanoma risk
February 1st 2008There is growing evidence that vitamin D "protects" us against colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. According to a recent study in patients with multiple primary and primary single melanomas, chronic daily sun exposure may be more beneficial than harmful in that it contributes to a great extent to vitamin D synthesis.
Atopic dermatitis patients may have increased risk of malignancies
February 1st 2008Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis seem to be at an increased risk of developing malignancies, including lymphoma and cutaneous melanoma, as well as nonmelanoma skin cancers, when compared with patients who do not suffer from the disease, according to a recent large database-controlled study
Botox, Dysport effectively administered using pulsed current iontophoresis
February 1st 2008Botulinum neurotoxins are commonly used for a variety of diseases as well as numerous cosmetic interventions. Though effective in each of its uses, the technique of administering the neurotoxin into the skin is by injection, which can be a source of trepidation for the most weathered cosmetic patient. A recent Italian study has proven that botulinum toxin type A can be effectively administered into the skin using pulsed current iontophoresis, giving hope for needle-wary patients.
Mohs surgery, topical chemotherapy are gold standards
February 1st 2008Mohs surgery and topical chemotherapy are among the most effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer, according to David J. Goldberg, M.D. In the very near future, however, photodynamic therapy - now commonly used with good results in Europe - may well become the gold-standard treatment for skin cancers in the United States.
Psoriasis considered risk factor for cardiovascular disease
February 1st 2008Epidemiological data on the prevalence and degree of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with psoriasis are contradictory. A team of German researchers recently found that the patients with psoriasis have an increased coronary artery calcification, which precedes myocardial infarction. Thus, psoriasis can be considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Combination product offers stability, flexibility in acne patient care
February 1st 2008Results from a series of in vitro studies show a new combination clindamycin/tretinoin product (Zianis, Medicis) may potentially be applied sequentially with benzoyl peroxide without concern about loss of activity from tretinoin degradation.
A well-running team, process are paramount in conducting a research study
February 1st 2008Conducting a pilot study is key to launching a successful larger research study. In a pilot study, researchers can identify shortcomings like poor adherence and how to address those shortcomings. A timetable for a research study should be established, taking into account the experience and competence of the principal investigator and research team. Data should be reviewed in the initial phase of a research study, when missing information can be more easily retrieved, to minimize the amount of data missing in a study.