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BMC Cancer 2021 May 13;21(1):547. Epub 2021 May 13.

Centro de Investigaciones sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias (CIPYP), CONICET and Hospital de Clínicas Gral. José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Córdoba 2351 1er subsuelo, CP1120AAF, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer treatment that utilizes the interaction of light and a photosensitiser (PS), promoting tumour cell death mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro photoactivity of four meso-substituted porphyrins and a porphyrin coupled to a fullerene.

Methods: The cell line employed was the LM3 mammary adenocarcinoma, and the PS with the best photokilling activity was administered to mice bearing the LM3 subcutaneously implanted adenocarcinoma. Read More

Med Lett Drugs Ther 2021 05;63(1623):70-71

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021 May 6:102325. Epub 2021 May 6.

Dermatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. Electronic address:

Background: Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a widely used effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs). However, cure rates are significantly reduced for AKs on acral sites. We compared the sequential regimen of topical calcitriol and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) daylight-PDT (CAL-DL-PDT) versus placebo and MAL-DL-PDT (P-DL-PDT) on acral AKs in an intra-individual, randomized trial. Read More

J Dermatol 2021 May 7. Epub 2021 May 7.

Department of Dermatology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan.

In consideration of the development of treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the Japanese Skin Cancer Society issued the first guidelines of SCC in 2007 and revised them in 2015. Here, we report the English version of the 2020 edition of the Japanese SCC guidelines. The first half of this article is an overview of SCC including actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease, and the second half discusses three clinical questions: (i) treatment of actinic keratosis; (ii) determination of the resection margin of the primary lesion; and (iii) treatment of radically incurable cases, as contemporary problems encountered in treating SCC. Read More

Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2021 Apr;156(2):266-267

Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

Dermatol Pract Concept 2021 Mar 12;11(2):e2021031. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Dermatology, IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola. Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a form of premalignant keratinocyte dysplasia. Recently, the role of photosensitizing drugs in the development of AK has been postulated.

Objective: This study evaluated a possible association between the use of photosensitizing drugs and the development of AK. Read More

Orbit 2021 May 6:1-8. Epub 2021 May 6.

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.

: To describe a novel transcutaneous infraorbital nerve biopsy technique which can be performed to aid in the diagnosis of perineural invasion (PNI) of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).: A single-center retrospective chart review was performed. Patients diagnosed with SCC with PNI via an infraorbital nerve biopsy between February 2019 and February 2020 were included. Read More

Dermatology 2021 May 4:1-11. Epub 2021 May 4.

Department of Dermatology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to provide non-invasive diagnosis of common skin neoplasms, especially basal cell carcinoma. OCT produces a cross-sectional view of the tissue, similar to a traditionally sectioned histopathological view, but the resolution of conventional OCT is low and thus limits clinical application.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the application ability of a full-field (FF)OCT system which was newly developed to scan the skin at the cellular level. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2021 10;2021:6673852. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Ninth Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 639, Manufacturing Bureau Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, China.

In this paper, we describe our method for skin lesion classification. The goal is to classify skin lesions based on dermoscopic images to several diagnoses' classes presented in the HAM (Human Against Machine) dataset: melanoma (MEL), melanocytic nevus (NV), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), actinic keratosis (AK), benign keratosis (BKL), dermatofibroma (DF), and vascular lesion (VASC). We propose a simplified solution which has a better accuracy than previous methods, but only predicted on a single model that is practical for a real-world scenario. Read More

J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2021 Apr 30;110:107071. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) represent a premalignant skin condition due to chronic sun damage that dramatically increases in prevalence in the aging population. Currently, animal models of AKs utilize photocarcinogenesis, chemical carcinogens, or targeted gene modulation, and each method possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. Models using photodamage most comprehensively describe methods for preferentially selecting AK lesions, while replicating the pathogenesis of AKs with greater fidelity than models utilizing other carcinogenic methods. Read More

Cells 2021 Apr 23;10(5). Epub 2021 Apr 23.

Apoptosis Regulation in Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Center Charité, Department of Dermatology Venerology und Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

New therapeutic strategies are needed for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and the plant extract ingenol mebutate (PEP005) may be considered. PEP005 has been approved for actinic keratosis, and proapoptotic activities were described in different cancer cells. Here, we aimed to investigate its efficacy in four CTCL cell lines and its mode of action. Read More

Biology (Basel) 2021 Apr 15;10(4). Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is the ultra violet (UV)-induced preneoplastic skin lesion clinically classified in low (KIN I), intermediate (KIN II), and high (KIN III) grade lesions. In this work we analyzed the expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs), as well as of keratinocyte differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers in differentially graded AK lesions, in order to identify specific expression profiles that could be predictive for direct progression of some KIN I lesions towards squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Our molecular analysis showed that the keratinocyte differentiation markers keratin 1 (K1), desmoglein-1 (DSG1), and filaggrin (FIL) were progressively downregulated in KIN I, II, and III lesions, while the modulation of epithelial/mesenchymal markers and the induction of the transcription factors Snail1 and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) compatible with pathological EMT, even if observable, did not appear to correlate with AK progression. Read More

Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021 Apr 6;14(4). Epub 2021 Apr 6.

Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is a popular treatment for actinic keratoses (AK), and several PDT treatment modalities with similar cure rates are in use. The effect relies on the activation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in premalignant cells. This study aimed to measure PpIX during each treatment modality to determine the minimal PpIX activation and shortest exposure time for optimal cure rate. Read More

Int J Womens Dermatol 2020 Dec 12;6(5):454-455. Epub 2020 Sep 12.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States.

J Dermatol 2021 Apr 25. Epub 2021 Apr 25.

Department of Dermatology, Hiratsuka City Hospital, Hiratsuka, Japan.

Topical imiquimod therapy has been widely used for actinic keratosis (AK). However, some cases are refractory to treatment. Therefore, an indicator that can predict its efficacy is desired. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2021 Apr 16. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen - European Metropolitan Region of Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. Electronic address:

Wounds 2021 04 7. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

Department of Dermatology, Dermatosurgery and Allergology, Asklepios Medical Center, Weißenfels, Germany.

Introduction: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is frequently misdiagnosed as epithelial tumor or trauma. To the authors' knowledge, no international guidelines or consistent recommendations for treatment of EPDS exist, and histological findings often are labeled as nonspecific.

Objective: This study aimed to identify clinical and histological characteristics unique to EPDS to aid diagnosis. Read More

J Clin Pathol 2021 Apr 16. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Aims: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precursor of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). No validated parameters can predict which AKs will progress into SCCs, but especially thick AKs are under suspicion. The clinical and histopathological thickness of AKs is strongly correlated. Read More

Semergen 2021 Apr 13. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Granada, España; Instituto biosanitario de Granada, Ibs, Granada, Spain. Electronic address:

Introduction: Teledermatology (TD) is a health tool based on the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) for the care of skin diseases at a distance, allowing a better connection between primary care professionals (PCP) and specialized care. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the teleconsultations made to our service in a period of 2years (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019).

Material And Methods: The data was obtained from a TD system with dermoscopy that allows teleconsultations to be carried out asynchronously. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2021 Apr 20. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Second Dermatology Department, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Background: Advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be discriminated easily from actinic keratosis (AK) based on clinical and dermatoscopic features. However, at the initial stage of dermal invasion, SCC might still be clinically flat and discrimination from AK remains challenging, even with the addition of dermatoscopy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and dermatoscopic criteria that could suggest early invasion and serve as potent predictors to discriminate early SCC from AK. Read More

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021 Apr 13. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated patient-reported outcome measures and the effect of patient educational materials in German patients with skin cancer. We conducted a prospective study to measure the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life in German patients with skin cancer, identify variables that may contribute to changes in health-related quality of life, and evaluate the effect of providing additional information through a patient education brochure.

Methods: A total of 461 patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis, nonmetastatic nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma in situ, or nonmetastatic cutaneous melanoma treated between August 2018 and July 2020 were included. Read More

Skin Res Technol 2021 Apr 13. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) occurs frequently in sun-exposed skin while its diagnosis and treatment were still in exploration.

Materials And Methods: Thirty two patients with facial AK lesions were selected and examined with reflective confocal microscopy (RCM) firstly, followed by biopsy at the same site. RCM was used to observe AK lesions before 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) treatment, after the first treatment, after 4 treatments, and at 1 and 6 months follow-up. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2021 Apr 11:e14957. Epub 2021 Apr 11.

Department of Dermatology, Health Science University, Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Keratinizing skin cancers including actinic keratoses (AK), in situ squamous cell carcinoma/Bowen's disease/intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC), invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and keratoacanthoma share similar dermatoscopic features and also reveal different patterns that assist in their diagnosis. Recently epidemiological studies reveal the association between antihypertensive drugs and skin cancer risk, especially cSCC. This study aims to determine the dermatoscopic features of keratinizing skin cancer in patients using antihypertensive drug and compare with non-users. Read More

Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2021 05 9;8(3). Epub 2021 Apr 9.

From the Department of Neurology (L.R., S.P., M.P., T.R., H.W.), Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital of Münster, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.H., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Dermatology (W.S.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; and Department of Neurology (M.K., S.G.M.), University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany.

Objective: To report 77 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who developed skin-related adverse events (AEs) following treatment with cladribine.

Methods: We evaluated our prospective bicentric cladribine cohort. Cladribine-treated patients with a skin AE were identified. Read More

Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021 Apr 27:1-14. Epub 2021 Apr 27.

Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.

Actinic keratosis (AK) are proliferations of atypical keratinocytes that may eventually progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, AK requires consequent and early treatment. A variety of effective approaches is currently available for the clearance of AK. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2021 Apr 2. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Dermatology & Laser Center of Charleston, Clinical Research Center of the Carolinas, Charleston, South Carolina.

Background: Actinic keratoses (AK) are rough scaly patches that arise on chronically ultraviolet-exposed skin and can progress to keratinocyte carcinoma.

Objective: This analysis examined the literature related to the management of AK to provide evidence-based recommendations for treatment. Grading, histologic classification, natural history, risk of progression, and dermatologic surveillance of AKs are also discussed. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2021 Apr 4. Epub 2021 Apr 4.

College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin lesion often defined as premalignant with more evidence indicating it as early stage of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The AK may remain stable, transform towards incisive cSCC or in some cases revert spontaneously. Several different underlying conditions can increase risk of cSCC, however, advanced age represents major risk of AK and its progression towards cSCC indicating increased risk during chronological aging. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2021 Mar 31;22(7). Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

Incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and actinic keratosis has increased worldwide, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as celecoxib are considered for treatment. We show here strong anti-proliferative effects of celecoxib in four cSCC cell lines, while apoptosis and cell viability largely remained unaffected. Impeded apoptosis was overcome in combinations with agonistic CD95 antibody or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), resulting in up to 60% apoptosis and almost complete loss of cell viability. Read More

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021 Mar 26;34:102260. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Photobiology Unit, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK; The Scottish Photodynamic Therapy Centre, Dundee, UK. Electronic address:

Daylight photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for actinic keratoses and relies on a minimum PpIX-effective light exposure dose being delivered during treatment. As such, daylight dosimetry is an important aspect of this treatment. Relatively simple measurements of illuminance may be converted to PpIX-effective irradiance, and subsequently exposure dose, via a conversion model (the O'Mahoney model). Read More