News

Because patient medical records must be stored for years and in some cases indefinitely, dermatologists should consider computer storage and scanning hardware and software, now less costly than paper storage.

Creative solutions can be searched for, and, where possible, augmented by a Web-based application that finds unexpected links between disparate but related topics.

Many dermatologists do not feel comfortable doing nail surgery. Those who know the ins and outs of basic nail surgery, however, often find that the procedures are easily done in the office and result in high patient satisfaction, according to Elizabeth M. Billingsley, M.D., Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects approximately 2 percent of the U.S. and European population.

Botulinum toxin (BTX-A) is a powerful tool for beautifying patients and smoothing wrinkles, but to achieve the best results takes a strategic approach.

Dermatologists should become familiar with both methotrexate and TNF-inhibiting biologic agents to treat the skin and joints because they are often able to diagnose psoriatic arthritis before rheumatologists, Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., said yesterday in his presentation on "Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management."

Results from a 36-month, open label study demonstrate the efficacy and safety of continuous treatment with efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech) in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, reports Craig L. Leonardi, M.D.

When it's time for dermatologic therapy, having an array of treatments from which to choose is vital, according to Stephen P. Stone, M.D., Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Some of his pearls include the following suggestions:

Recent studies reveal encouraging news about biologic drugs' ability to battle psoriasis. An overview of the agents includes: Enbrel (etanercept, Immunex) remains the only biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating psoriatic arthritis.

As a dermatologist for 27 years, Norman Levine, M.D., professor of dermatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, and editorial advisor to Dermatology Times, has gathered new insights from clinical experience, reference books, professional meetings and reviews of treatment modalities.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Members of the Pigmentary Disorders Academy (PDA) convened here last November for their second annual meeting. While still in its infancy and relatively small in size, the group has already made significant progress as they pursue their mission to optimize care of patients affected by pigmentary disorders.

Kissimmee, Fla. — The time it takes for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a new dermatology drug or treatment depends on many factors, including how closely pharmaceutical companies cooperate with the agency.

Kissimmee, Fla. — In developing a successful aesthetic/cosmetic office practice, whether an existing, disease-based practice or a newly launched one, the goal should always be this: Work smarter, not harder.

If physicians want to give their patients the best possible care and make their practices successful, they must provide leadership. The idea may seem simplistic, but James G. Marks, Jr., M.D., chair of dermatology, Penn State University's Hershey Medical Center, says a doctor can have the best intentions in the world, but if those plans aren't implemented, a lack of leadership will keep the practice from being all it can be.

Kissimmee, Fla. — For dermatologists contemplating whether to incorporate lasers into their practices, the answer given by James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., is an enthusiastic "Yes."

London — With all of the advances in the treatment of skin cancers that have been developed in the past few decades, the most important way to deal with skin cancer today is still to prevent it.

Clinical examination alone rarely suffices to diagnose RDD, of which less than 60 cutaneous-only cases have been reported in medical literature. Virtually all RDD cases require histologic analysis.

Zurich — Actinic keratosis (AK) is a relatively common adverse effect of the immunosuppressive agents delivered to patients after organ transplantation.

Newport Beach, Calif. — When it comes to potential topical treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs) and non-melanoma skin cancers, T4N5 liposome lotion (Dimericine, Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics) leads the pack. The product is composed of the protein T4 endonuclease V in a liposome vehicle.

Newport Beach, Calif. — When it comes to potential topical treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs) and non-melanoma skin cancers, T4N5 liposome lotion (Dimericine, Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics) leads the pack. The product is composed of the protein T4 endonuclease V in a liposome vehicle.

Tampa, Fla. — Although development of melanoma vaccines based on dendritic cells (DCs) lags behind that of more established approaches, it's rapidly moving from the lab bench into clinical trials.

Newport Beach, Calif. — The immune response modifier imiquimod (Aldara, 3M Pharmaceuticals) may have a role as an enhancer of other immunotherapies for melanoma, Noah Craft, M.D., Ph.D. said here at the annual meeting of the Pacific Dermatologic Association (PDA).

Tampa, Fla. — Among molecularly targeted agents being developed to treat melanoma, some of the most exciting are anti-CTLA-4 antibodies now being developed by Pfizer and Medarex.

National report — The Akt3 protein seems responsible for promoting tumor cell survival and development in 43 percent to 60 percent of noninherited melanomas. And wiping out the protein in melanoma cells could stall tumor development and increase the chemo-sensitivity of this traditionally chemo-resistant cancer, according to a new study.

Orlando — According to Zoe Draelos, M.D., the cosmeceutical market is evolving rapidly because of new raw materials, better insight into skin physiology, and changing consumer demands.

images

images

National report — With many prescription drugs costing at least twice as much domestically as they do internationally, it's no surprise that patients seek foreign sources for everything from cholesterol killers to dermal fillers. Nor is it surprising that many such purchases can imperil patients' health.

Great dining can be a New Orleans visitor';s main objective and probably should be with the endless mouth-watering options the city has to offer.Whether you're in the mood for authentic Cajun or Creole dishes or are looking for the perfect pasta, glance through these choices and find exactly what you crave.

Biologic drugs have changed the lives of many psoriatic patients with severe disease, but the potential benefits offered by biotechnology are only beginning to be realized.