Authors of a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology analyzed evidence on the possible effects of GLP-1RA on inflammatory skin diseases, particularly psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Through body weight reduction and primarily through their direct interaction with signaling pathways of inflammation and immune cells, GLP-1RA can improve psoriasis, the authors noted.
GLP-1RA therapy in patients with HS reduced inflammation by inhibiting TNF-α, NF-kB, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the migration of macrophages. The authors concluded that more research is needed to shed light on pathways through which GLP-1RA affect immune cells and other inflammatory skin conditions.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Sweating over sweat gland carcinomas: Part 1 — Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma
A highlight of my week is leisurely reading the Philadelphia Inquirer on quiet Sunday mornings, skimming over the troubling headlines, and concentrating on positive happenings in the Delaware Valley. My bliss was rudely interrupted by a medical mystery of a 42-year-old man with a “pea-sized spot” on the tip of his nose that did not resolve after six months of observation, assuming it would go away on its own. After spontaneous bleeding, he consulted a dermatologist who diagnosed rosacea and was prescribed a series of creams, none of which helped. A subsequent referral to an otolaryngologist diagnosed the lesion as a staphylococcal infection. Thirteen months after the lesion appeared, a biopsy was performed, revealing a squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma. Keep reading!
Beta-HPV virus may cause cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
A study published in the The New England Journal of Medicine found that a type of human papillomavirus (HPV) commonly found on the skin may directly cause cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
[Therapeutic use of the HPV vaccine shows promise as a treatment for stubborn warts. Read more.]
A 34-year-old woman who was evaluated and treated for recurrent cSCC on her forehead had undergone multiple surgeries and a round of immunotherapy to try to remove or kill the tumor, but it repeatedly grew back. The tumor was one of many progressively worsening HPV-related diseases the woman was experiencing. The researchers discovered that a beta-HPV had integrated into the cellular DNA of the woman’s tumor and was producing viral proteins. Genetic analysis of the woman’s cells showed they were able to repair DNA damage from UV radiation, suggesting the virus alone had caused cSCC, the authors noted.
The investigators gave the woman a stem cell transplant to replace her defective T-cells with healthy ones. Afterward, all her HPV-related diseases including the recurrent, aggressive cSCC resolved and have not recurred during the more than three years since the transplant. According to the researchers, other people with defective T-cell responses may also be susceptible to cancer caused directly by beta-HPV.
How to recognize a difficult squamous cell carcinoma. Read more.
DIY cosmetic neuromodulator injection tutorials on YouTube
Authors of a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the quality and safety of DIY neuromodulator injection videos on YouTube based on their discussion and/or demonstration of the seven safe injecting techniques described by a pharmaceutical company’s medication guide insert.
The researchers searched YouTube for “DIY Botox.” The first 101 videos were screened and included if they were in English and either demonstrated injection techniques on a mannequin or human or gave instructions on injection using injection site maps. Videos covered an average of 1.51 out of the seven guidelines.
[Dermatologists discuss the consequences of self-practiced medicine and what physicians can do to educate patients. Read more.]
Most videos covered treatment of the frontalis (65%) and glabellar regions (59%). Most videos demonstrated injections on humans/mannequins (89%) and used sterile technique (82%). Approximately 39% of the videos lacked a discussion of complications and when to seek medical attention. Few videos included a demonstration of sharps disposal (4.7%) or a safety disclaimer within the video or description (31%). Most injectors did not state their credentials in the video (73%), while 15% were physicians and 12% were nurses.
Dermatologists discuss popular social media trends impacting the skin. Read more.
MCC survival rates increased following immunotherapy approval
A study published in JAAD evaluated whether the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) corresponded with improved survival for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). For 453 patients with metastatic MCC, two-year relative survival improved from 23% (2010-2012) to 37% (2013-2015), 42% (2016-2018), and 54% (2019-2021). The median overall survival also increased from nine to 16 months among these patients. Of 4,786 MCC patients overall, two-year relative survival rose from 73% (2010-2012) to 81% (2019-2021), while overall survival improved from 67% to 72%. MCC survival has increased more than two-fold since ICIs were approved, with approximately 220 fewer deaths per year, according to the study authors.
Voluntary recall of antiseptic soaps, external analgesics
DermaRite Industries, LLC is voluntarily recalling individual lots of products due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepecia. In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions the use of the product will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis.
The following products are included in the recall:
DermaKleen: An OTC health care antiseptic lotion soap with vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
DermaSarra: An OTC external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, or sunburn.
KleenFoam: An OTC antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
PeriGiene: An OTC antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.
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