February 11, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 11, 2026
Excision vs. topical 5-FU and photodynamic therapy in Bowen’s disease
A study published in JAAD compared the long-term efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) vs. surgical excision for the treatment of Bowen’s disease (BD). In this randomized controlled trial, 250 patients were assigned to 5-FU, MAL-PDT, or surgical excision.
[What’s the best treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in situ? Read more.]
During the first year of follow-up, treatment failure was observed in 27 patients. During long-term follow up, only one additional patient developed a recurrence, five years after MAL-PDT. The four-year cumulative probability of tumor-free survival was 97.5% for surgical excision, 86.2% for 5-FU, and 82.7% for MAL-PDT. No patient developed a cSCC in the treated area. According to the authors, the risk of recurrence of BD after 5-FU and surgical excision, and the risk of developing a cSCC from a treated BD were negligible.
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DermWorld What’s Hot: Sunscreen doping
As sunscreens are regulated as OTC drugs, new UV filters are required to pass through a slow and restrictive regulatory process. It is so restrictive that since 1999, only one new filter has been approved. As a workaround to these regulatory constraints, manufacturers in the U.S. have been adding UV-absorbing ingredients as “inactive ingredients” avoiding the need for FDA approval — this is called sunscreen doping by media and consumers. Read more from Craig Burkhart, MD, MPH, MSBS, FAAD.
FDA confirms iPLEDGE changes
Following relentless and sustained advocacy by AADA over many years, the FDA approved significant modifications to the iPLEDGE REMS program that will reduce administrative burdens while maintaining patient safety. Read more about the changes.
Surgical interventions for hidradenitis suppurativa
A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery evaluated surgical interventions used in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) (Hurley Stage II and III) by reviewing recurrence rates and postoperative complications. A total of 136 studies were included consisting of 5,646 procedures. Primary closure had the highest recurrence (38%) and complication rates (29.4%). Wide excision showed moderate recurrence (17.2%) and the highest cosmetic dissatisfaction. Laser-assisted surgery had the lowest complication rate (2.2%) and recurrence rate (5.7%). Flaps and grafts showed higher complication rates but fewer recurrences than primary closure.
HS experts discuss the latest therapeutic and procedural updates to optimize disease management. Read more.
Is dual biologic therapy effective?
A study published in JEADV reviewed the current literature on the safety and efficacy of dual biologic therapy. Forty studies were included, with data from 106 patients. All patients demonstrated clinical response to dual biologic agent regimens.
The most frequently reported biologic pairing was omalizumab with rituximab, which accounted for 25.7% of cases. This was mostly observed in those showing treatment-resistant bullous pemphigoid. The next most common combination was omalizumab and secukinumab (16.5%), which was used for refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria and psoriasis. At 14.7 months, 78% of patients reported no adverse events. The most frequent adverse events were non-severe infections (10.4%). Loss of therapeutic response took place in four of the patients.
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