A Case Series on the Use of Brentuximab Vedotin for the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides.

BACKGROUND: Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody that appears to be more effective against CD30-expressing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) compared to current standard-of-care treatments.   Objective: To determine the real-world efficacy and adverse effects of BV use in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) who were treated with BV at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. METHODS: Study staff performed a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with MF who were prescribed BV at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center. RESULTS:   Regardless of their response to BV, all patients in our cohort had higher CD30 positivity on subsequent biopsies compared to their initial skin biopsy.  Conclusions: Improved understanding of appropriate CD30 testing and evaluation will allow for quicker invention of patients with BV responsive CTCL.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(12):e33-e34.    doi:10.36849/JDD.6981e.

Concurrent Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Vulgaris: Implications for Targeted Biologic Therapy.

Psoriasis vulgaris, a helper T cell TH1/TH17-mediated inflammatory dermatosis, may be effectively treated with biologic medications such as secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor. However, suppression of the TH1-mediated axis may result in the paradoxical appearance of TH2-mediated inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab, a biologic medication that inhibits IL-4/IL-13-cytokines involved in TH2-mediated inflammation-has demonstrated efficacy in treating AD but may result in phenotypic switching to psoriasis. We describe a patient with psoriasis that was well controlled on secukinumab who developed severe AD that improved with dupilumab. After several months of effective treatment with dupilumab, he subsequently developed re-emergence of psoriatic lesions. This case highlights how pharmacologic interventions targeted at specific immunologic pathways, such as the TH1/TH2 axis, may have unintended consequences.

Review of the holistic management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is broadly characterized by eczematous lesions and pruritus. This condition is detrimental in a multitude of ways, including patient quality of life (QOL), family QOL, economic burden, and psychosocial afflictions. Current management needs to incorporate a holistic approach which considers the financial, emotional, and physical limitations of both the treatments and the provider. A non-systematic search was conducted on the holistic management of pediatric AD. Various search queries were used such as the key terms of "atopic dermatitis," "pediatric," "eczema," "management," and more to encompass treatments, adherence, and comorbidities. There is an association with AD and depression in children, and its prevalence should be screened for routinely in children with AD. Collaboration with other specialties may prove to be prudent in addressing this comorbidity. Objective quality of life scores can open the door to much needed conversation with patients to get them the help they need. In expanding our scope, we find the extended consequences of AD have a ripple effect on families of pediatric patients. Lastly, we introduce a model for improving treatment adherence. CONCLUSION: Patient quality-of-life can be negatively affected by the symptoms, expense, stigma, and time commitment, and inconvenience imposed by complicated treatment regimens. To ensure proper, holistic management of pediatric AD, multiple factors must be considered; seasonal changes, lifestyle modifications, and the psychosocial impact are just a couple of factors that require monitoring. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Atopic dermatitis impacts patients and their families in quality of life, economically, and psychosocially. • Current treatment revolves largely around treating physical manifestation of disease with first line measures such as topical steroids. WHAT IS NEW: • The holistic management of AD incorporates a good physician-patient relationship, frequent follow-up, and providing structured written plans. • We introduce the house building model for improving treatment adherence. KEY POINTS: Pediatric AD can be managed in a more holistic manner which incorporates several factors from the lives of patients and their families. Pediatric patients suffer from many physical and mental comorbidities which should be screened for. Adherence with treatment may be improved by following a model which emphasizes establishing a good physician-patient relationship, frequent follow-up, and providing structured written plans.

Current and emerging biologics for the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythematous lesions, pruritus, and a skin barrier defect. Long-term treatment in children is challenging, as there is only one Food and Drug Administration-approved systemic medication. Current treatments may have limited efficacy or serious side effects in children. With a deeper understanding of AD pathogenesis and the advent of target-specific medications, several biologics are undergoing clinical trials for future use in pediatric AD. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the current and emerging biologic therapies for treatment of pediatric AD. It allows for comprehensive comparison of medications and their clinical trials to help providers optimize patient treatment plans while providing expert insight into upcoming advancements in the treatment of pediatric AD. EXPERT OPINION: Treating pediatric AD is complicated given the variety of disease severity, psychosocial impact, and relative lack of approved medications for severe disease. Given the safety data on dupilumab, newer biologics will likely be second-line. We do not yet understand the long-term impact of newer biologics on an immature immune system, nor do we fully understand their risks and toxicities. We should proceed optimistically, yet cautiously, with the study of biologics in children.

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes significant psychological and financial costs to the individual and society. Treatment regimens may require long-term medication adherence and can be associated with poor patient satisfaction. There is considerable interest in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches for childhood atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of CIM approaches on childhood atopic dermatitis outcomes as defined by randomized, controlled clinical trials. METHODS: A PubMed review of CIM-related treatments for pediatric atopic dermatitis was performed, and data related to age, study population, efficacy, treatment regimen, length of treatment, and sample size were included. RESULTS: The search yielded 20 trials related to probiotic/prebiotic treatments for atopic dermatitis, three on the effects of vitamins on children with atopic dermatitis, and two on the effects of Chinese herbal treatments for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. The strongest evidence was for supplementation with the probiotics L. fermentum and L. plantarum. CONCLUSIONS: Certain strains of probiotics, specifically L. plantarum and L. fermentum, may improve clinical severity scores in children with atopic dermatitis. However, additional trials are needed to more thoroughly delineate the effects of additional integrative therapies on childhood atopic dermatitis.