Journal Digest: August 2

European Journal of Dermatology: Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict Response to Immunotherapy in Real-Life Settings for Patients With Advanced Melanoma

According to Frenard et al, “defining relevant biomarkers to predict treatment outcome based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is needed in order to increase overall survival of metastatic melanoma (MM) patients. In their study, Frenard et al compared different machine learning models’ ability to identify biomarkers from clinical diagnoses and follow-ups of patients with MM to predict treatment responses to ICIs. The Random Forest database showed the highest scores of accuracies (0.63) and sensitivity (0.64), with additional high scores for precision (0.61) and specificity (0.63).

Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology: Treatment of Erythrodermic Psoriasis in Children with Secukinumab: A Case Report

In a recent case report of secukinumab for erythrodermic psoriasis in pediatric patients, Lu et al presented a case of a 7-year-old patient who transitioned from generalized pustular psoriasis to erythrodermic psoriasis after routine systemic drug treatment. After the patient was treated with secukinumab, their symptoms improved within 48 hours after the first injection, and their lesions were almost completely cleared after the 5th injection. Between April 2022 and October 2022, the patient completed 11 doses of secukinumab, achieved PASI 100, and had no adverse reactions. Lu et al noted that while the efficacy of secukinumab in pediatric patients with erythrodermic psoriasis is unknown, their recent case report suggests that secukinumab may be effective for pediatric patients and more definitive studies are needed.

International Journal of Women’s Dermatology: Surgical Treatment of Early-Stage Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Systematic Review of Guidelines for Dermatologic Surgeons

Rao et al reviewed the current treatment landscape of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC), which makes up approximately 90% of vulvar carcinomas, as well as suggested new guidelines for research and detection for dermatologists to consider. Because vSCCs have the potential for significant morbidity and a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life, it is crucial for dermatologists and gynecologists to work together for optimal treatment. According to Rao et al, “Guideline-based vSCC treatment includes faster escalation to radical vulvectomy and lymph node dissection than other high-risk sites treated by [Mohs micrographic surgery]such as facial mask areas.”

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: A Review of Existing and New Treatments for the Management of Hand Eczema

To distinguish what treatment options are currently available for the treatment of hand eczema, Ho et al conducted a literature review by searching for the terms “hand eczema” and “hand dermatitis” in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase. To identify new and upcoming therapies, Ho et al searched for the terms “hand eczema,” “hand dermatitis,” “atopic dermatitis,” and “vesicular eczema of the hands and/or feet” to search Clinicaltrials.gov from 2000 to 2022. There were 56 ongoing clinical trials identified for pharmacological treatments for hand eczema on Clinicaltrials.gov from 2000 - 2022, with 16 that are new or ongoing. Some of the upcoming treatments Ho et al identified are lebrikizumab, delgocitinib, gusacitinib, tofacitinib, fezakinumab, etokimab, tezepelumab, and JNJ-39758979.

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