CAPABLE: A Scoring System Utilizing Patient-Reported Measures to Evaluate Patient Experience After Mohs Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patient experience metrics are gaining prominence in health care. We introduce the CAPABLE survey to assess postoperative experiences of Mohs surgery patients. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether CAPABLE scores aligned with overall patient satisfaction in Mohs surgery. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study of patients presenting for their first postoperative visit after Mohs surgery. The CAPABLE survey included questions on postoperative instructions, activity limitations, pain control, provider accessibility, and bleeding, followed by 2 overall satisfaction questions taken from the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. The pilot study took place at the University of Texas Dell Medical School (DMS), followed by a validation study ( n = 206) at DMS and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). We assessed for correlations between CAPABLE scores and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: In the pilot study ( n = 137), overall CAPABLE scores and scores of individual CAPABLE components correlated positively with overall satisfaction.In the multisite validation study ( n = 206) spanning DMS and OHSU, CAPABLE scores correlated positively with overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The CAPABLE survey is a concise tool for assessing specific, actionable components of the postoperative patient experience in Mohs surgery, while correlating with overall patient satisfaction.

External validation of the Melanoma Institute Australia Sentinel Node Metastasis Risk Prediction Tool using the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: To improve patient selection for sentinel node (SN) biopsy, the Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) created a predictive model based on readily available clinicopathologic factors. OBJECTIVES: Validation of the MIA nomogram using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), a nationwide oncology outcomes database for >1500 Commission-accredited cancer programs in the United States. METHODS: A total of 60,165 patients were included in the validation. The probability of SN positivity was calculated for each patient. Using calculated probabilities, a receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to assess the model's discrimination ability. RESULTS: At baseline, the NCDB cohort had different clinicopathologic characteristics compared with the original MIA data set. Despite these differences, the MIA nomogram retained high-predictive accuracy within the NCDB dataset (C-statistic, 0.733 [95% CI, 0.726-0.739]), although calibration weakened for the highest risk decile. LIMITATIONS: The NCDB collects data from hospital registries accredited by the Commission on Cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study validated the use of the MIA nomogram in a nationwide oncology outcomes database collected from >1500 Commission-accredited cancer programs in the United States, demonstrating the potential for this nomogram to predict SN positivity and reduce the number of negative SN biopsies.

Factors Associated with Eczema Clinical Trial Awareness, Interest, and Participation in Adults.

Despite the need for improved eczema therapies and a rapid increase in available eczema clinical trials, participation remains low. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with clinical trial awareness, interest, and barriers to enrolment and participation. An online survey, administered 1 May to 6 June 2020 to adults (≥ 18 years) with eczema in the USA, was analysed. Among 800 patients included, mean age was 49.4 years, most respondents were female (78.1%), White (75.4%), non-Hispanic (91.4%), and geographically living in an urban/suburban area (Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) 1-3, 90.8%). Only 9.7% of respondents reported previous participation in clinical trials, while 57.1% had considered participation and 33.2% never considered participation. Higher satisfaction with current eczema therapy, clinical trial literacy, and confidence in finding eczema trial information were all associated with clinical trial awareness, interest, and successful participation. Younger age and having atopic dermatitis were associated with increased awareness, while female gender was a barrier to interest and successful participation.

Dermoscopic features associated with 3-GEP PLA: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT expression in suspicious pigmented lesions.

Utilization of dermoscopy and novel molecular triage technologies augments visual triage of pigmented skin lesions, promoting early detection of melanoma. One emerging in vivo genomic test, 3-GEP pigmented lesion assay (3-GEP PLA) aids in pigmented lesion triage by noninvasively detecting the presence of three genes associated with melanoma: LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT. The purpose of our retrospective case-control study was to identify dermoscopic features uniquely associated with the presence of LINC00518, PRAME, or TERT in the stratum corneum as determined by 3-GEP PLA testing. Images of suspicious pigmented lesions that had undergone 3-GEP PLA testing and received a definitive positive or negative result (n = 393) were evaluated for the presence of specific clinical and dermoscopic features associated with melanoma. We found that asymmetry of color was a significant predictor for PRAME expression (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6-34.5, p = 0.004), blue color and negative pigment network were significant predictors for LINC00518 expression (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-5.5, p = 0.014 and adjusted OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.6-16.9, p = 0.010, respectively), and atypical polymorphous vessels present in a pigmented skin lesion were a significant predictor for TERT promoter mutations (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-23.4, p = 0.022). The results presented suggest a hierarchy in the significance of these dermoscopic features and may help guide evaluation and management of pigmented skin lesions.

Factors Influencing General Dermatologists When Referring Patients With Head and Neck Melanoma for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for cutaneous melanoma has demonstrated higher cure rates, lower local recurrence rates, and improved survival compared with wide local excision (WLE). However, factors affecting referrals by general dermatologists for MMS of head and neck melanoma (HNM) are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate referral factors and treatment perspectives of general dermatologists regarding MMS for melanoma in situ (MIS)/lentigo maligna (LM) and early-stage melanoma on the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using survey responses of general dermatologists with membership in the American Academy of Dermatology . RESULTS: A total of 231 and 132 of the 402 responding general dermatologists routinely referred melanoma in situ MIS/LM and early invasive melanoma for MMS, respectively. Lack of local access to a Mohs surgeon was the most common deterring reason for MIS/LM referral to MMS, whereas the preference for WLE was the most common deterring reason for early invasive melanoma. CONCLUSION: Lack of local access to a Mohs surgeon treating HNM with MMS is the primary barrier in referrals to Mohs surgeons for MIS and LM. Among general dermatologists, WLE is preferred for early invasive HNM.

Transcriptional profiling identifies an androgen receptor activity-low, stemness program associated with enzalutamide resistance.

The androgen receptor (AR) antagonist enzalutamide is one of the principal treatments for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, not all patients respond, and resistance mechanisms are largely unknown. We hypothesized that genomic and transcriptional features from metastatic CRPC biopsies prior to treatment would be predictive of de novo treatment resistance. To this end, we conducted a phase II trial of enzalutamide treatment (160 mg/d) in 36 men with metastatic CRPC. Thirty-four patients were evaluable for the primary end point of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)50 response (PSA decline ≥50% at 12 wk vs. baseline). Nine patients were classified as nonresponders (PSA decline <50%), and 25 patients were classified as responders (PSA decline ≥50%). Failure to achieve a PSA50 was associated with shorter progression-free survival, time on treatment, and overall survival, demonstrating PSA50's utility. Targeted DNA-sequencing was performed on 26 of 36 biopsies, and RNA-sequencing was performed on 25 of 36 biopsies that contained sufficient material. Using computational methods, we measured AR transcriptional function and performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify pathways whose activity state correlated with de novo resistance. TP53 gene alterations were more common in nonresponders, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.055). AR gene alterations and AR expression were similar between groups. Importantly, however, transcriptional measurements demonstrated that specific gene sets-including those linked to low AR transcriptional activity and a stemness program-were activated in nonresponders. Our results suggest that patients whose tumors harbor this program should be considered for clinical trials testing rational agents to overcome de novo enzalutamide resistance.

Pyoderma gangrenosum study pilot registry: The first step to a better understanding.

The objective of this study was to develop a pilot physician driven patient pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) registry to summarise patient baseline demographics, PG-related medical history, treatments, and outcomes for patients with pyoderma gangrenosum. Standardised patient information was collected prospectively during clinical encounters between December 2019 and July 2021 at a single academic institution. Eligibility criteria for the study was a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum determined by a PARACELSUS score of at least 10 for ulcerative patients. Main outcome measures included demographic data, PG related history and comorbidities, past and current treatments, healing outcomes, hospitalisations and recurrences of PG. The Pyoderma Gangrenosum Study (PYGAS) Registry currently includes 52 patients with 56 target lesions of four distinct PG subtypes (41 ulcerative, 12 peristomal, 2 vegetative and 1 bullous). For the 38 patients with 41 total ulcerative PG lesions, referrals to our institution most commonly came from dermatologists (42.1%). The median follow-up time in our initial registry was 5.5 months (95% CI = 4.1-11.5 months), with average time between follow-up visits at 1.1 months. These ulcers were most commonly treated with first-line systemic immunosuppressants (70.6%), such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine. Additional use of systemic immunomodulators at baseline visit was statistically significantly associated with healing (P = 0.048). This pilot study suggests that use of systemic immunomodulators has an impact on healing of PG patients. Wound care regimens are variable, and assessing their impact on treatment outcomes could be challenging. Standardisation of both wound care regimens and data collection in prospective clinical studies is necessary to assess their impact in PG treatment outcomes.

Clinical Utility of Dermoscopy and 31-Gene Expression Profiling by Dermatology Providers in Melanoma Management Care.

OBJECTIVE: A 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test that predicts metastatic risk in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has previously been validated and is available for clinical use. The test dichotomizes patients into lower risk and higher risk groups based on differences that correspond to unique genetic expression patterns. Although the impact of such a test on dermatology providers' clinical decision-making has been studied, little is known about whether there exists an association between certain clinical features, such as dermoscopy, and 31-GEP results. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of 31-GEP test results ordered by dermatologists, we evaluated the frequency of dermoscopic features, using a modified dermoscopy three-point checklist, in 17 cases (n=17) and compared these findings to other key clinicopathologic features including tumor thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate to 31-GEP results. Additionally, we evaluated the dermatologist's perspective and incorporation of GEP testing as part of patient discussion on melanoma management. RESULTS: 31-GEP stratified patients into 4 groups; groups 1A and 1B are considered low risk of metastasis or recurrence, while 2A and 2B are considered high risk. Of the 17 cases, we had fifteen group 1A (88.23%), one 1B (5.88%), and one 2B (5.88%) result. Overall frequency of dermoscopic features is as follows; 100% of lesions presented with asymmetry, 47% with round structures, and 70.6% with blue-white color. The average time providers spent explaining and ordering the test was 15 minutes, with a range of 10 to 20 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents our experience and understanding of the dermatologist’s role ordering 31-GEP in the care pathway of melanoma patients and we recommend that dermatology providers consider ordering the test for newly diagnosed CMM patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(12): doi:10.36849/JDD.6889.

Dermatology urgent care model reduces costs and healthcare utilization for psychodermatology patients - a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psychiatric dermatoses may be high users of healthcare, especially emergency services. A dermatology urgent care model may reduce healthcare utilization in this population. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a dermatology urgent care model can reduce healthcare utilization among patients with psychiatric dermatoses. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients seen in dermatology urgent care at Oregon Health and Science University between 2018 and 2020 with diagnoses of Morgellons disease and neurotic excoriations. Rates of diagnosis-related healthcare visits and emergency department visits were annualized before and during engagement with the dermatology department. Rates were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: We found an 88.0% reduction in annual rates of healthcare visits (P<0.001) and 77.0% reduction in emergency room visits (P<0.003). Results were unchanged when controlled for gender identity, diagnosis, and substance use. LIMITATIONS: We could not account for healthcare use not included in electronic health record. CONCLUSION: Urgent care models in dermatology may reduce overuse of healthcare and emergency services among patients with psychiatric dermatoses.

Treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum: A multicenter survey-based study assessing satisfaction and quality of life.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) lacks consensus regarding treatment, and no prior studies assess treatment satisfaction in PG. The objective of this study was to determine patient-reported satisfaction in the treatment of PG, and associations with satisfaction. Methodology was a multicenter cross-sectional survey for patients who received systemic medication(s) to treat PG. Thirty-five patients completed the survey (mean age: 54.0 years, 65.7% female, response rate: 81.4%). Mean (± SD) SATMED-Q score was 75.0 (±16.2, range: 67.6-85.3). Older patients (72.6 ± 23.6 for 18-39 years, 74.4 ± 16.1 for 40-59, 77.1 ± 11.6 for 60+), plus those with higher incomes (72.9 ± 20.3 for $0-49 000; 74.0 ± 17.6 for $50 000-99 000; 79.0 ± 14.6 for $100 000+) and education status (69.4 ± 14.3 for high school equivalent, 72.9 ± 15.9 for undergraduate, 91.7 ± 10.6 for graduate), were more satisfied with treatment. Ulcerative PG had higher SATMED-Q scores (79.0 ± 13.2) than other subtypes (66.2 ± 19.3). For local therapy, wound care, or pain control, 63.2%, 100%, and 75% were satisfied, respectively. The mean DLQI was 8.6 (±7.6, range: 0-29), and higher DLQI was associated with decreased satisfaction. Satisfaction with providers was positively correlated with global satisfaction (Pearson's r = 0.638). The presence of pain and/or depression influenced both SATMED-Q (72.8 ± 18.8 with pain, 78.3 ± 11.2 without; 68.2 ± 18.8 with depression, 80.1 ± 12.2 without) and DLQI scores (12.1 ± 8.1 with pain, 3.9 ± 3.4 without; 10.3 ± 7.1 with depression, 7.4 ± 8.0 without). To optimize the patient experience, non-modifiable associations should be individually considered, and potentially modifiable associations such as satisfaction with specific providers, pain, and depression, may be targeted for management.

Validation of a novel patient-operated device for measuring skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and capacitance are used in atopic dermatitis (AD) trials to provide objective data on clinical change and response to therapy. Many barrier devices are costly, limiting their utility. GPSkin is a novel low-cost, patient-operable device that measures both TEWL and capacitance via smartphone application. OBJECTIVE: This validation study investigated the correlation of GPSkin with the AquaFlux and Corneometer, and the reliability of these devices, in patients with AD. METHODS: Fifty AD patients with varying disease severity performed self-measurements with GPSkin, while investigators collected data with all 3 devices, on both nonlesional and lesional skin. CONCLUSION: GPSkin and AquaFlux demonstrated strong correlation for TEWL on nonlesional and lesional skin by Spearman's correlation (rs ), independent of device user. For capacitance, GPSkin and the Corneometer showed moderate correlation when obtained by patients, yet a strong correlation when obtained by a clinician. Despite good correlation, GPSkin showed poor agreement with both the AquaFlux and Corneometer in Bland-Altman plots. GPSkin underestimated both TEWL and capacitance. Overall, the devices had good test-retest reliability. None of the devices could discriminate between AD severity states. While GPSkin marks an exciting advancement in barrier technology, further study is needed for validation on AD skin.

Measuring the impact of clinical practice guidelines on infantile hemangioma referrals.

High-risk infantile hemangiomas may be associated with significant patient comorbidity. The American Academy of Pediatrics published clinical practice guidelines with recommendations to refer high-risk hemangiomas early. The results of this study suggest that these guidelines may have resulted in an earlier referral age of patients with high-risk IH to hemangioma specialists.

The utility and challenges of histopathologic evaluation in the diagnosis of nonmalignant skin ulcers.

Histopathologic evaluation of cutaneous ulcers is indicated when the clinical diagnosis is unclear or when ulcers have not responded to standard of care. Many nonmalignant skin ulcers lack specific histologic findings on biopsy and pose a diagnostic challenge. While the usefulness of skin biopsies to diagnose underlying malignancy in ulcerated lesions has been demonstrated in previous studies, their utility in the diagnosis of ulcers of other etiologies has not been reported. We conducted a retrospective study of 45 nonmalignant ulcer biopsies in a 3-year period to compare the histologic diagnosis with the final diagnosis. Additionally, we assessed the diagnostic concordance among three blinded dermatopathologists when reviewing these cases. The leading histologic diagnosis from each of the three observers agreed with the final clinical diagnosis, on average, for 29.6% of the cases (average pairwise kappa = 0.15). Inflammatory ulcers had the lowest concordance between the observers and final diagnosis with an average of 26.0% of cases (average pairwise kappa = 0.06). The observers agreed with each other for 35.6% of the cases (Fleiss' kappa = 0.32). The highest agreement among observers was in the vascular/vasculopathic category (50%, Fleiss' kappa = 0.44). Our results indicate that skin biopsies alone are useful in the evaluation of nonmalignant ulcers to rule out other conditions (e.g. neoplasm) but frequently not sufficient to establish a definitive diagnosis. Additional clinicopathologic correlation is necessary in the final assessment of nonmalignant ulcers to determine the diagnosis. Future research endeavors should explore alternative approaches to more efficiently diagnose nonmalignant skin ulcers.

Inpatient teledermatology: Diagnostic and therapeutic concordance among a hospitalist, dermatologist, and teledermatologist using store-and-forward teledermatology.

BACKGROUND: Inpatient dermatology has been shown to improve patient outcomes at a reduced cost. Few hospitals have dermatologists available. Teledermatology may allow dermatologists to assess hospitalized patients remotely. OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnostic concordance between a hospitalist, dermatologist, and teledermatologist using store-and-forward teledermatology. METHODS: For 100 consecutive patients requiring inpatient dermatology consultation, a survey was conducted by all 3 raters to convey diagnostic impressions and therapeutic recommendations. Complete and partial agreements were assessed using the Cohen kappa statistic. RESULTS: Inpatient dermatology consultation often resulted in a change in diagnosis (50.9%) and a change in systemic therapy (41.5%). Likewise, virtual teledermatology consultation would have resulted in a change in diagnosis (54.7%) and a change in systemic therapy (47.2%) at similar rates. Comparing the dermatologist and teledermatologists, diagnostic complete and partial agreement were 52.8% and 84.9%, respectively. Systemic therapy agreement was 77.4%. Teledermatologists recommended biopsy more often (68.5% vs 43.5%). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, tertiary academic medical center, single rater for inpatient teledermatology with specific inpatient niche. CONCLUSION: Teledermatologists performed comparably to an in-person dermatologist for the diagnosis and management of hospitalized patients with skin conditions. Teledermatology may be a suitable alternative for delivery of inpatient care if no dermatologist is available.

Perioperative management of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) classically presents with an acute inflammatory stage, characterized by rapid evolution of painful ulcerations. The pathergy associated with PG lesions complicates disease management. Although PG is commonly treated with immunosuppression, some patients have refractory noninflammatory ulcers. In this subpopulation, there are case reports of successful surgical treatment. However, there is no consensus on optimal perioperative treatment for patients with PG undergoing surgery of any kind, PG related or otherwise. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature review describing perioperative management practices and risk factors that may predict response to surgical intervention. We identified 126 cases of surgical intervention in patients with active PG; among these, only 16.7% experienced postoperative disease progression. No perioperative treatments or clinical risk factors were identified as statistically significant predictors of disease recurrence. Although limited by case series design and publication bias, this study is a valuable means of hypothesis generation for this rare condition.

Invasive Melanoma and Melanoma in Situ Treated With Modified Mohs Micrographic Surgery With En Face Permanent Sectioning: A 10-Year Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Successful surgical treatment of cutaneous melanoma is dependent on margin control. OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of modified Mohs micrographic surgery (mMMS) with en face permanent margins in management of invasive melanoma (IM) and melanoma in situ (MIS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study evaluating local recurrence, 5-year recurrence-free survival, and 5-year melanoma-specific survival. Overall, 657 melanomas (128 IM and 529 MIS) from 631 patients were treated using mMMS during a 10-year period. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records and telephone encounters. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 5.18 years. Most melanomas were located on the head and neck 93.6% (615/657). Margins required for clearance were 0.77 ± 0.44 cm (mean ± SD). Local recurrence was identified in 1.98% (13/657) of melanomas with no local recurrences in IM. Five-year local recurrence-free and melanoma-specific survival rates were estimated to be 96.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.6%-98.2%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 97.7%-99.6%). There were 5 melanoma-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Modified Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective treatment of melanoma as evidenced by low local recurrence rates and high melanoma-specific survival.

Using a Multimedia Tool for Informed Consent in Mohs Surgery: A Randomized Trial Measuring Effects on Patient Anxiety, Knowledge, and Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Multimedia educational materials have been found to improve aspects of informed consent, although data in the context of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a preoperative educational video decreases anxiety, increases comprehension, and improves overall satisfaction for patients undergoing same-day office consultation and MMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center randomized controlled trial included patients above the age of 18 years undergoing MMS for skin cancer between October 2015 and December 2015. Patients were randomized to view a short preoperative video on MMS in addition to traditional informed consent versus informed consent without video viewing. Questionnaires were used to assess preoperative anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction. RESULTS: From 231 consecutively enrolled subjects, there were no significant differences in anxiety (p = .626) or satisfaction (p = .065) between groups. Subjects receiving the intervention were able to more accurately recognize risks of MMS (88% vs 69% of controls, p < .001) and had improved subject-reported confidence in understanding procedural risks and benefits (89% vs 71% of controls, p = .049). Composite comprehension scores were similar between groups (p = .131). CONCLUSION: A preoperative MMS educational video increased recognition of procedural risks, but did not improve patient anxiety or satisfaction.

Phase 1-2 study of vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma.

Altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation in lymphoma provided the rationale for using vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in this phase 1-2 study (NCT00764517). Treatment included cladribine 5 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) (days 1-5), rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV (weekly 4× for cycle 1 and 1×/month) and vorinostat orally once daily (days 1-14) every 28 days for up to six cycles. Phase 1 included relapsed patients (n = 10) in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design (vorinostat: 200, 300 and 400 mg). No dose-limiting toxicities were seen. The phase 2 dose for vorinostat was 400 mg po (days 1-14). The majority of phase 2 patients had mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (n = 57; 39 previously untreated, 10 relapsed). The primary objective was objective response rate [complete response (CR) + partial response] which was 39% (7/18) in relapsed patients and 97% (38/39) with 80% (31/39) attaining a CR in previously untreated MCL. At a median follow-up of 42 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for relapsed NHL were 19·5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·0-33·0] and 25·0 (95% CI: 12·0-45·0) months respectively. Median PFS for previously untreated MCL was 84·0 months; OS could not be estimated. Toxicities were primarily haematological.