The British journal of dermatology
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Multicenter Study
Inpatient management of patients with skin cancer in Germany: an analysis of the nationwide DRG-statistic 2005-2006.
In 2004, Germany introduced a nationwide DRG (Diagnosis Related Groups) based recompensation system for hospitals. The aim of this study was to provide nationwide quantitative information about the in-hospital management of skin cancer patients in Germany based on the DRG statistic of the years 2005 through 2006. ⋯ We provide for the first time nationwide quantitative data on the in-hospital management of skin cancer patients. The observed differences in the management of MEL and NMSC most likely reflect differences of the biology, epidemiology and therapeutic modalities of these cancers.
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Little is known about brain mechanisms supporting the experience of chronic puritus in disease states. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that ASL fMRI is a promising technique to assess brain activity in chronic itch. Brain activity of acute itch in AD seems to differ from that in healthy subjects. Moreover, the activity in cortical areas involved in affect and emotion correlated to measures of disease severity.
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Skin cancers represent a major challenge within the ever growing group of long time surviving organ transplant recipients (OTR) world wide. Especially UV-induced non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) like invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and actinic keratoses (AK), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), outnumber every other form of cancer in organ transplant recipients. Despite encouraging reports of protective effects of broad-spectrum sunscreens in immunocompetent patients, evidence for the prevention of NMSC in immunocompromised patients is still missing. ⋯ Regular use of sunscreens, as part of a consequent UV-protection strategy, may prevent the development of further AK and invasive SCC and, to a lesser degree, BCC in immune-compromised organ transplant recipients.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the combination of an exogenously administered precursor of photosensitizer [protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)] synthesis and exposure to light. Choosing the optimal wavelength is important. Red light penetrates deeper into tissue, while violet light is more efficient in activating PpIX but does not penetrate so deeply. ⋯ Topical ALA-PDT with violet light allows longer exposure times before pain is induced and gives less erythema as compared with topical ALA-PDT with red light.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Tolerability of high-dose topical tretinoin: the Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial.
Topical tretinoin is a medication commonly used for acne that has potential application in the long-term treatment of photodamaged skin. However, there are few published data regarding the tolerability of high-dose tretinoin with long-term use. ⋯ Overall, the tolerability level of topical tretinoin was high in this study population, with almost 40% of the tretinoin group reporting no side-effects, and the majority (67%) tolerating at least once-daily dosing at 6-month follow-up. High-dose topical tretinoin is feasible for long-term use in this population.