Topical 5-FU/calcipotriene cream for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in situ
Authors of a study published in JAAD explored the use of topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/calcipotriene for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS). Participants with biopsy-proven SCCIS were assigned to a twice-daily regimen of placebo cream or combination 5-FU 5%/calcipotriene 0.005% cream for seven days or 14 days. There was a significant difference in histological clearance of SCCIS between the treatment and control groups. Five of six (83.3%) patients and seven of eight (87.5%) patients were negative for residual tumor in the seven-day and 14-day treatment groups, respectively. All patients in the placebo group showed residual tumor. Two patients developed eruptive squamous atypia (ESA) within the scar two to three months post-excision. Although ESA is known to be associated with cutaneous surgery, its development in two out of 14 patients suggests caution in using topical 5-FU/calcipotriene for SCCIS, the authors noted.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: Shedding light on tumoral melanosis
Tumoral melanosis (TM) is a worrisome and confounding lesion for dermatologists and dermatopathologists alike. Clinically, it is essential to attribute TM to either melanoma or its treatment. TM presents as darkly pigmented macules, papules, or nodules mimicking the appearance of a melanoma. Most cases are associated with either partial or complete regression of melanoma. The rare phenomenon of tumoral melanosis may become more common with advances in melanoma immunotherapy. Such cases may have a better prognosis than cases of TM due to regression from advanced disease. Keep reading!
FDA weighing approval of new sunscreen ingredient
According to CBS News, the FDA is now weighing whether to approve the first new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in decades. The FDA is expected to decide by March 2026 on the new ingredient, bemotrizinol (PARSOL shield). If the FDA agrees to approve the ingredient, the FDA will propose adding bemotrizinol to the list of OTC drugs that are “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE), and the public will have the opportunity to comment before it’s cleared for use. While new to the U.S., this ingredient has been used abroad for decades. Bemotrizinol will be the first ingredient to be subject to the FDA’s new standards for sunscreen safety.
Which treatments reduce inflammatory lesion counts in patients with rosacea?
A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery evaluated the effectiveness of several commonly used oral and topical treatments in reducing the inflammatory lesion count in patients with rosacea. Of all systemic therapies, oral isotretinoin at doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg was associated with the greatest percentage decrease in inflammatory lesion counts. This is believed to be due to its diverse mechanism of action that is ultimately anti-inflammatory and successful at decreasing mite proliferation. Topical ivermectin was the best at reducing inflammatory lesion counts compared with other topicals such as azelaic acid and metronidazole.
Efficacy of secukinumab in patients with lichen planus
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology evaluated the efficacy of secukinumab in adult patients with cutaneous lichen planus, mucosal lichen planus, or lichen planopilaris inadequately controlled by topical corticosteroids. The patients received either secukinumab 300 mg every four weeks for 32 weeks or placebo. None of the cohorts achieved the primary endpoint of an Investigator’s Global Assessment score ≤2 at week 16; however, some numerical improvement was noted in patients with mucosal lichen planus and lichen planopilaris.
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