A Mole Gene Among Us
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Researchers locate variants associated with elevated nevus count, a melanoma risk factor.
Reviewing:
Falchi M et al., Nat Genet 2009 Aug; 41:915
A Touching Mouse Tale
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
The role of Merkel cells in the perception of light touch is illuminated by a sophisticated feat of genetic engineering.
Reviewing:
Maricich SM et al., Science 2009 Jun 19; 324:1580
Not Only B but Also T: Lymphomas Localized to the Leg
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In a new variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, tumor aggression is again associated with location.
Reviewing:
Poligone B et al., Arch Dermatol 2009 Jun; 145:677
UV and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: Evidence for a Connection with Dermatomyositis but Not Polymyositis
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
September 11, 2009
Craig A. Elmets, MD
Is UV radiation causative as well as aggravating?
Reviewing:
Love LA et al., Arthritis Rheum 2009 Aug; 60:2499
Cutaneous Toxicity Associated with "New" Therapies: Rare but Possible
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Two recent reports describe adverse events linked to drug therapy.
Reviewing:
Asarch A et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2009 Jul; 61:104
Desai N et al., Br J Dermatol 2009 Jun; 160:1322
Development of Antirituximab Antibodies May Portend Therapy Failure in Patients with Pemphigus
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Outcomes were not as good in rituximab recipients who developed antichimeric antibodies as in those who did not.
Reviewing:
Schmidt E et al., Clin Immunol 2009 Sep; 132:334
Rituximab Is Effective for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
The efficacy of a reduced dose is promising for dermatology patients, too.
Reviewing:
Jones RB et al., Arthritis Rheum 2009 Jul; 60:2156
The "Itchy Neuron" — A New Therapeutic Target?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
September 4, 2009
Gil Yosipovitch, MD
Distinct neurons transfer itch but not pain in the spinal cord of mice.
Reviewing:
Sun Y-G et al., Science 2009 Aug 6
Trimming the Hedgehog
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A novel inhibitor of the hedgehog signaling pathway had promising results in patients with metastatic and aggressive local BCCs.
Reviewing:
Von Hoff DD et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 2
Dlugosz AA and Talpaz M., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 2
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers in Patients with HIV Mirror Cancer in the General Population
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In persons with HIV infection, as in the general population, the factors most associated with the development of cutaneous malignancies are the traditional ones.
Reviewing:
Crum-Cianflone N et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jun 22; 169:1130
