INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: USCOM Algorithm for the Prevention and Management of Cutaneous Immunotherapy-Related Adverse Events.

BACKGROUND: In 2023, nearly 2 million patients will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States and at least 40% will be eligible for treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). Cutaneous immune related adverse events (cirAEs) from ICIs are common and include pruritus as well as maculopapular, eczematous, bullous, lichenoid, and psoriasiform reactions. All clinicians interfacing with cancer patients must expedite proper evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, and/or consultation that supports the need for evidence-directed guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of advisors was selected, and a systematic literature review generated foundational evidence to develop a treatment algorithm for cirAEs via a modified Delphi process. Iterations of the algorithm were performed until the group met consensus. RESULTS: An algorithm that tailors the management of cirAEs was developed based on the CTCAE v.5 grading of skin disorders. Representative clinical images and suggested diagnostic measures, supplement the algorithm. CONCLUSION: Recognition and treatment of cirAEs guided through a multidisciplinary, physician-developed algorithm will limit disruption of immunotherapy, optimize quality of life, and enhance overall outcomes in patients treated with ICIs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22:11(Suppl 1):s3-10.

Comparison of Survival Outcomes With/Without Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Desmoplastic Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare variant of cutaneous melanoma with a high rate of local recurrence. Recent studies have indicated a potential benefit in local control with the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of adjuvant RT for patients with DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried (2004-2015) for patients with newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic DM. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the adjuvant therapy they received: RT or observation. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of receiving adjuvant RT, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS. RESULTS: There was no difference in median OS between patients treated with RT when compared with patients observed (111.4 months vs 133.9 months, p = .1312). On multivariable analysis, older age, T stage ≥2, N stage ≥1, and no receipt of immunotherapy were associated with worse OS. CONCLUSION: In this large study evaluating efficacy of adjuvant RT in DM, no overall survival benefit was observed among patients receiving adjuvant RT.

US Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (USCOM): A Practical Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients survive or are living with cancer. Anticancer treatments frequently have cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) that may severely impact patients' quality of life and interrupt anticancer treatment. The US Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (USCOM) project aims to improve cancer patients' and survivors' quality of life by offering tools for preventing and managing cAEs. METHODS: An algorithm was designed to reduce the incidence of cAEs, treat cAEs, and maintain healthy skin using general measures and over-the-counter agents to support all healthcare providers treating oncology patients, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and advanced providers. The panel used a modified Delphi approach, developed, discussed, and reached a consensus on statements and an evidence-based algorithm. RESULTS: The USCOM algorithm includes education on cAEs for patients and clinicians supporting prevention, treatment, and maintenance using skincare measures before, during, and after cancer treatment. A skincare regimen including hygiene, moisturization, and sun protection products should be safe and effective in helping to minimize cAEs and improving skin conditions such as erythema, xerosis, pruritus, and photosensitivity. The number and quality of studies evaluating skincare formulations and regimens for cAEs are increasing, but the evidence on the benefits of specific formulations is still scarce. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm focuses on general measures and skincare to prevent or reduce the severity of cAEs. Increased awareness of cAEs by the multidisciplinary team treating and guiding the cancer patient throughout their care may improve patient outcomes. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20:9(Suppl):s3-19.

Anticancer therapies associated with secondary cutaneous malignancies: A review of the literature.

Recent advancements in anticancer therapy have produced an array of highly specialized therapeutics that prolong disease-free survival, improve tolerability of treatment, and individualize care. With improved treatments and longer survival, treatment-related toxicities are gaining importance. Dermatologic toxicities are common, with therapy-induced secondary cutaneous malignancies of the most frequent and serious for targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Often, these eruptive malignant lesions can be treatment limiting and detrimental to quality of life. As such, dermatologists play an important role in multidisciplinary oncologic care teams for surveillance and management of secondary cutaneous malignancies. Proactive dermatologic supervision yields early diagnosis and treatment of secondary cutaneous malignancies, which limits therapy discontinuation and thus optimizes treatment through both therapeutic achievement and overall well-being.

Referral practices to dermatologists for the treatment of radiation dermatitis in the USA: a call for a multidisciplinary approach.

PURPOSE: Acute radiation dermatitis (RD) is a disfiguring and painful rash that occurs in up to 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for cancer. Treatment for RD varies among practitioners with no evidence-based gold standard for management. While a multi-disciplinary approach has been utilized to manage other cancer-related toxicities, RD is most often managed by the treating radiation oncologist. METHODS: This study evaluated the referral practices of radiation oncologists to dermatologists for management of RD utilizing a survey of radiation oncologists across the USA. The goal was to identify the referral practices of radiation oncologists for RD and any barriers to a multidisciplinary approach. RESULTS: Of the 705 respondents, 15% reported ever referring patients to dermatology. Private practitioners referred significantly less than providers in academic or oncology centers (p < 0.01). Practitioners in urban settings were more likely to refer (p < 0.01), and radiation oncologists in the Southeastern USA were less likely to refer (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of timely access to dermatologists in various geographic areas in addition to radiation oncologists' preference to treat RD are barriers to multidisciplinary management of RD. Inclusion of dermatologists and wound care specialists in cancer treatment teams could improve patient care and stimulate needed research into strategies for treatment and prevention of RD.

Increased topical generic prices by manufacturers.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data regarding generic medication prices. Recent studies have shown price changes at the retail level, but much is not known about the pharmaceutical supply chain or price changes at the manufacturer level. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the extent of price changes for topical generic medications. METHODS: A comprehensive review of average wholesale prices (AWPs) and manufacturers of topical generics and available corresponding branded medications was conducted for 2005 and 2016. RESULTS: A total of 51 topical chemical entities were examined. Between 2005 and 2016, the AWP of topical generic medications increased by 273% and the AWP of topical branded medications increased by 379%. The topical generic with the greatest price change increased by 2529%. Eight of the top 20 topical generic medications with the greatest increases in AWP also had an increase in the number of manufacturers. LIMITATIONS: These findings are not generalizable to medications used in other areas of medicine. CONCLUSION: Topical generic prices are rapidly increasing at the manufacturer level.

Cutaneous toxicity as a predictive biomarker for clinical outcome in patients receiving anticancer therapy.

The relationship between treatment outcome and cutaneous toxicity induced by anticancer therapy has gained attention in the past decade. In this article, we have provided an overview of the 3 main classes of anticancer agents-specifically, molecularly targeted kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cytotoxic chemotherapeutics-and described the data evaluating the association between cutaneous toxicity induced by these agents and survival benefit. Although preliminary studies are promising with regard to the potential role of cutaneous toxicities as a surrogate biomarker of efficacy of treatment, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this relationship. Dermatologists have a unique opportunity to collaborate with oncologists in the multidisciplinary treatment paradigm by helping to identify and manage these dermatologic events in patients with cancer. A heightened awareness of these toxicities is critical, as it can potentially allow recognition of the efficacy of anticancer therapy and may influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

A National Survey of Medical Coding and Billing Training in United States Dermatology Residency Programs.

BACKGROUND: Due to frequent changes in medical coding systems, billing for outpatient visits through Evaluation and Management (E & M) services has become increasingly complicated. As a result, physicians often bill improperly, costing the United States health care system billions of dollars annually. Despite the importance of proper documentation, medical coding and billing is largely ignored during residency training. OBJECTIVE: Assess the exposure to and quality of medical coding and billing training in dermatology residency programs. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to dermatology programs in the United States consisting of questions pertaining to didactic education for, experience with, and resident knowledge of medical coding and billing. RESULTS: 138/443 dermatology residents participated (31.2% response rate). 79% of residents reported receiving some type of formal training. Nearly 89% reported personally billing patient visits to some degree, with 41.3% billing for 100% of outpatient visits. Over 75% of residents were able to answer basic billing questions and 70% correctly billed a patient visit when given a complex clinical scenario. Despite these results, only 37% of residents reported feeling confident in their billing abilities. Lastly, 94.9% of respondents believed medical coding and billing should be integrated into dermatology training curriculums. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of dermatology residents have opportunities to learn medical coding and billing through didactics and clinical experiences. Many residents were able to answer correctly questions that tested their basic knowledge of E&M coding. These results are encouraging and reflect the recognition of the importance of medical coding and billing training during residency. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):678-682.

Beyond Traditional Treatment: The Importance of Psychosocial Therapy in Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder of the skin. Patients with vitiligo often face a challenging disease course, having to cope with a condition that is known to be physically disfiguring, psychologically devastating, and socially stigmatizing. Although an extensive amount of research has been directed towards the dermatologic treatment of vitiligo, an overall lack of data exists investigating treatment of the psychological and emotional burden of patients with vitiligo. This paper reviews the literature for treatment options in patients with vitiligo that specifically target the psychosocial domain. Despite being limited in quantity, several studies have proven the benefits of adjuvant care in the form of group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and self-help programs. Although preliminary evidence is promising, larger prospective studies are needed to further define the role of these psychosocial interventions before integrating them in a more official capacity into the standard of care for patients with vitiligo. Because of the considerable impact of vitiligo beyond its physical symptoms, dermatologists ought to consider the utility of adjuvant therapies to adequately address impairments in self-esteem, body image, and quality of life in patients with vitiligo. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):688-691.

Practice patterns for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute radiation dermatitis in the United States.

PURPOSE: Due to the inconclusive evidence for available treatment options, management of radiation dermatitis (RD) varies among practitioners. This study defines and reviews the current treatment patterns for RD in the USA, providing guidance for practicing physicians as well as directions for future research. METHODS: An online survey of 21 questions was emailed to all 5626 members of the 2013 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) directory, which included radiation oncologists, residents, fellows, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other care providers. The questions were designed to evaluate demographics of responders, their training and comfort in the management RD, and their patterns of care regarding prophylaxis and treatment of RD. Data was analyzed using simple summary and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of the 5626 emails sent, we were left with 709 physician respondents for our analysis, or a response rate of 12.9%. Although 84.7% of physicians felt that RD had a moderate or large impact on patients' quality of life during cancer treatment, only 30.1% received special training or specific instructional courses in treating RD during their medical training in residency or fellowship. Eighty-nine percent of surveyed physicians rely on observational and/or anecdotal findings to guide treatment decisions, and 51.4% reported using evidence-based treatments. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that there is great variability in the topical agents and dressings used in practice by radiation oncologists to prevent and treat RD. This information may be useful to other practitioners to develop their own personal recommendations and can guide further research into strategies to prevent and treat radiation dermatitis.

Development of Halo Nevi in a Lung Cancer Patient: A Novel Immune-Related Cutaneous Event from Atezolizumab.

Immunotherapy-induced vitiligo is an immune-related adverse event (irAE) observed in metastatic melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathways. To date, the development of leukoderma, poliosis, and halo nevi during immunotherapy has largely been reported in metastatic melanoma patients. We report a case of immunotherapy-induced leukoderma presenting as halo nevi in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with atezolizumab, a programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) antibody. Immunotherapy-induced vitiligo in metastatic melanoma patients may be associated with improved survival, but it remains to be determined whether its occurrence in non-melanoma cancers has the same prognostic significance.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(10):1047-1049.