Haptoglobin is an independent marker for disease severity and risk for metabolic complications in hidradenitis suppurativa: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is highly correlated with obesity. Haptoglobin serum levels have recently been recognized as an important biomarker linking obesity with chronic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To compare haptoglobin with previously proposed serum biomarkers for the determination of disease severity in HS patients. For this purpose, disease severity of HS patients was determined by a panel of clinical scores as well as several risk factors, such as weight and smoking habits. METHODS: A prospective, diagnostic accuracy study was performed at the International Centre for Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa Bochum (ICH). The study included a total of 263 patients, including 131 who had a confirmed diagnosis of HS in Hurley I (n = 16), II (n = 56) and III (n = 59) HS, and 132 healthy controls. The main outcome was to identify serological inflammatory markers for HS disease severity [severe (III) vs. moderate/mild (II/I)] as assessed by Hurley classification. RESULTS: The serum levels of acute phase proteins haptoglobin and CRP, as well as the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood, number of monocytes, the systemic immune-inflammation index and the pan-immune-inflammatory value correlated with disease severity according to established clinical scores (mHSS, SAHS, Hurley, DLQI). HS patients had significantly higher haptologlobin levels compared to healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed haptoglobin as the only independent marker predicting severe HS. CONCLUSION: In this prospective study, we discovered that the serum levels of the acute phase protein haptoglobin levels serve as an independent marker of disease severity in HS. While this presents the first study in the context of HS. Thus, the present data not only yield a highly promising serum marker to be further validated.

Encouraging sun protection early in life: from a successful prevention programme in children to the identification of psychological barriers in adolescents.

Children and adolescents have high rates of sunburn and high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and are therefore at risk of developing skin cancer in later life. Minimizing UVR exposure in childhood and adolescence may be the most important component of skin cancer prevention efforts. Thus, age-adapted prevention campaigns, targeting children, adolescents and caregivers, are needed to change sun protection behaviour among individuals in these age groups. In the first part of this review, we describe the 'SunPass' programme, which was initiated in Germany in 2010 as the first nationwide educational intervention for sun safety designed to teach kindergarten children and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Implemented in 55 kindergartens, this programme has been shown to be effective at improving sun protection behaviour (P < 0.001) and hat use (P = 0.029) among kindergarten children, as well as at improving shade practices and increasing demand for protective clothing (P < 0.001). Up to 40 000 children, 50 000 parents/grandparents and 2500 kindergarten caregivers took part in the SunPass programme in Germany from 2019 to June 2021. The programme has also been adapted and implemented in several other European countries and could be readily adapted for use elsewhere. In the second part of this review, we discuss the specific challenges faced by adolescents and consider how these issues may impact their sun protection behaviour. Adolescents have difficulties suppressing responses to reward-related cues and projecting themselves into the future. They also place a lot of importance on social acceptance and cosmetic appearance, and their higher risk of depression, addiction and impulsivity make them vulnerable to tanning addiction. These specificities need to be acknowledged by dermatologists, so they can adapt their therapeutic relationship and develop effective sun protection interventions for this generation.

Aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a hydroxyurea- and ruxolitinib-pretreated patient with polycythaemia vera.

Hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib are frequently used to treat myeloproliferative disorders, including polycythaemia vera, and chronic treatment is associated with many cutaneous adverse effects such as the development of aggressive non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We report an 85-year-old man with a history of hydroxyurea- and ruxolitinib-treated polycythaemia vera who was referred for the management of progressively growing tumours on his scalp. Histopathology of the largest scalp lesion revealed a partly desmoplastic cutaneous squamous carcinoma with perineural invasion. Initial imaging revealed metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes, bones and lungs. The scalp lesions were successfully treated with bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy. Under initial systemic therapy using four cycles of cetuximab, metastatic disease progressed. Following the approval by the health insurance, compassionate use of pembrolizumab monotherapy was initiated. After three cycles of pembrolizumab, however, metastatic disease further progressed and the patient finally died from global respiratory insufficiency. The present case exemplifies the cutaneous adverse effects of long-term hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib therapy, frequently resulting in highly aggressive NMSCs that are usually not responsive to systemic treatments even such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Expression of Hedgehog signalling molecules in microcystic adnexal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare skin neoplasm that has not been characterized on a molecular basis. AIM: To assess expression profiles of Hedgehog (HH) signalling molecules in MAC and control tumours. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Indian Hedgehog (IHH), Patched 1 (PTCH1) and Smoothened (SMO) on patient MAC tissue (n = 26) and control tumour tissue, including syringoma (SyG; n = 11), trichoepithelioma (TE; n = 11) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC; n = 12) tissues. RESULTS: Patched 1 and SMO immunoreactivity was significantly higher in BCC than in SyG, TE or MAC (P < 0.001 and P < 0.03, respectively). The highest IHH expression was observed in BCC and TE compared with SyG and MAC (P < 0.04). Notably, the highest SHH protein expression was observed in SyG compared with MAC, TE and even BCC (P < 0.001). In patients with MAC, SMO immunoreactivity significantly (r = 0.51; P < 0.01) correlated with PTCH1 expression. Further correlation studies did not show significant associations between the HH expression markers assessed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that alterations of the HH signalling are unlikely to play a major role in the pathogenesis of MAC, which is in contrast to the morphologically similar BCC and TE. Our observation provides additional information to the limited molecular pathology knowledge on this rare tumour.

Increased expression profile of NCSTN, Notch and PI3K/AKT3 in hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: In a small number of kindreds with familial hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) different mutations of NCSTN (nicastrin) have been identified. Blocking of NCSTN leads to impairment of the Notch and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, which is assumed to play a pathogenic role in HS. However, very limited data are available concerning expression levels of these pathway components in HS skin. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the mRNA and protein expression of NCSTN, Notch1-3, PIK3R3 and AKT3 in HS. METHODS: Skin samples from healthy controls, lesional and perilesional skin of HS patients with and without a positive family history were analysed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Univariate statistical analyses were conducted regarding association between expression levels and patient's characteristics. RESULTS: Expression levels of all investigated genes showed significantly higher levels in lesional HS skin compared with healthy controls. Univariate analysis showed no association between a positive family history and mRNA expression levels. Perilesional HS skin of patients with mild disease severity (Hurley I) showed significant higher mRNA expression levels of the investigated pathway components compared to moderate (Hurley II) and severe disease (Hurley III). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence for diminished expression levels of the Notch signalling. In contrast, the NCSTN, Notch and PI3K/AKT signalling components are overexpressed in HS. Future research is needed to investigate a possible pathogenetic role or to reveal a coactivation of these overexpressed components during inflammatory response in HS.

Decline of programmed death-1-positive circulating T regulatory cells predicts more favourable clinical outcome of patients with melanoma under immune checkpoint blockade.

BACKGROUND: The role of T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) and their immunosuppressive mechanisms in the context of programmed death (PD)-1 blockade is not completely understood. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of PD-1-blocking antibody treatment on Treg subpopulations in the blood. METHODS: We studied circulating Treg subpopulations in patients with melanoma under nivolumab or pembrolizumab treatment using flow cytometry and correlated these findings with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: These analyses revealed that the frequency of CD4+  CD25++  CD127-  PD-1+ lymphocytes (PD-1+ Tregs) significantly decreased after the first cycle of immunotherapy (23% vs. 8·6%, P = 0·043). Compared with patients who did not show a significant decline of PD-1+ Tregs after the first treatment, those who did had better clinical outcomes with respect to progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0·022) and melanoma-specific death (MSD, P = 0·0038). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a significant decline of PD-1+ Tregs in peripheral blood after the first treatment cycle is a significant predictor of more favourable PFS and MSD (P = 0·04 and 0·017, respectively). Interestingly, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events was also an independent predictor for decreased risk of MSD (P = 0·047; odds ratio 0·064, 95% confidence interval 0·0042-0·97). CONCLUSIONS: We provide preliminary evidence that circulating PD-1+ Tregs rapidly decline after the initiation of treatment with PD-1-blocking antibodies, which is associated with reduced risk of melanoma progression and MSD. Patients showing no decrease of these PD-1+ Tregs in peripheral blood are characterized by an impaired response to immune checkpoint blockade and worse outcome. What's already known about this topic? Programmed death (PD)-1-blocking antibodies are highly effective in melanoma treatment. However, more than half of patients do not benefit from this therapy and to date it is difficult to predict which patients will respond to it. What does this study add? PD-1-blocking antibody therapy rapidly results in a decline of circulating PD-1+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). What is the translational message? Patients showing a decrease of PD-1+ Tregs appear to have better clinical outcome under PD-1 treatment.

Does very early timing of lymph node surgery after resection of the primary tumour improve the clinical outcome of patients with melanoma?

BACKGROUND: In patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM), the time span between resection of the primary tumour and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as well as the subsequent interval between SLNB and complete lymph node dissection (CLND) varies greatly. AIM: To determine whether very early timing of SLNB after resection of the primary tumour, or timing of CLND after SLNB affect the clinical outcome of patients with CM, compared with longer time intervals. METHODS: We compared the time spans between complete resection of the primary tumour and SLNB, and the interval between SLNB and CLND in a cohort of 896 patients with melanoma who had undergone SLNB. An interval between primary resection and SLNB or between SLNB and CLND of up to 7 days was classified as very early (VE-SLNB and VE-CLND, respectively). This time span was compared with intervals of > 7 days. Univariate and multivariate statistics were performed. RESULTS: VE-SLNB was significantly associated with the presence of micrometastases. However, this was probably due to tumour thickness being significantly higher in patients with VE-SLNB compared with patients with later SLNB. Importantly, VE-SLNB was not significantly associated with disease relapse and VE-CLND was not associated with melanoma-specific death. CONCLUSIONS: VE-SLNB and VE-CLND neither improved nor worsened the clinical outcome of patients. Thus, timing of SLNB and CLND has no influence on the overall clinical outcome of patients with melanoma. Our findings support the rational planning of lymph node surgery after resection of the primary tumour and provide help for effective patient counselling.

Frequency of circulating subpopulations of T-regulatory cells in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Decreased number of T-regulatory cells (Tregs) and/or their loss of function potentially lead to uncontrolled immune-mediated inflammatory responses. There are only few data available on Tregs in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - a disease in which it has been suggested that host immune factors and an overactive immune system of the follicular epithelium play a pathogenetic role. OBJECTIVES: To analyse frequencies of Tregs subpopulations in blood of HS patients in comparison with a healthy control group. MATERIALS & METHODS: Blood samples obtained from HS patients and healthy controls were evaluated by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The frequency of natural Tregs among CD4+ T lymphocytes were significantly reduced in the HS group compared to the healthy controls. The proportion of activated Tregs, non-suppressive Tregs and proliferating Tregs showed no significant difference when compared to controls. Regarding Tregs frequencies, there was no significant difference between the three Hurley stages. Serum concentrations of IL-10, TGF-ß1 and IL-17A did not show significant differences between the HS and control group. CONCLUSION: The reduction of natural Tregs observed in blood of HS patients could be the result of Tregs homing to sites of inflammatory hot spots in HS skin. Further studies are justified evaluating the role of circulating Tregs during the evolution of HS lesions and as a biomarker for treatment response.

Expression of Lefty predicts Merkel cell carcinoma-specific death.

BACKGROUND: Lefty and Nodal are transforming growth factor ß-related proteins, which, beside their role in determination of laterality during embryogenesis, have also been linked with cancer progression. OBJECTIVES: Prompted by the observed significant left-sided laterality of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), we addressed whether Lefty and Nodal are expressed in MCC and correlated expression patterns with clinical parameters such as MCC laterality and patient outcome. METHODS: Expression of Lefty and Nodal in primary MCC was assessed in 29 patients by immunohistochemistry. The histology (H-)score was calculated and correlated with clinical parameters. RESULTS: The median (range) H-score of Lefty and Nodal was 17.6 (0-291) and 74.9 (0.7-272), respectively. There was a significant correlation between Lefty expression and Nodal expression (correlation coefficient of 0.60, P = 0.0006). There was no significant correlation between Lefty expression and Nodal expression with either tumour laterality, gender, age, Merkel cell polyomavirus status, disease stage, anatomical localization of primary tumours or disease relapse. On univariate analysis, low Lefty expression and Nodal expression were significantly associated with MCC-specific death (P = 0.010 and P = 0.019, respectively). On univariate analysis, low Lefty expression was the only significant independent predictor for MCC-specific death (P = 0.025) as indicated by an odds ratio of 14 (95% CI: 1.43-137.33). CONCLUSIONS: Lefty and Nodal are frequently expressed in MCC, but not correlated with tumour laterality. Importantly, our data suggest that a low level of Lefty expression in primary MCC is a strong predictor of MCC-specific death.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are associated with basal proliferating actinic keratoses.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the extent of atypical keratinocytes throughout the epidermis, actinic keratoses (AKs) are histologically characterized by downward-directed basal-layer expansion. It is not known whether this growth pattern correlates with the risk of developing invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC). OBJECTIVES: To characterize the prevalence of downward-directed basal-layer expansion of AKs adjacent to iSCC. METHODS: The epidermis overlying and adjacent to iSCCs was assessed histologically. We determined the histological grade (AK I-III), basal growth pattern (PRO I-III) and accompanying parameters such as adnexal involvement. RESULTS: Among 307 lesions, 52·4% of AKs were histologically classified as AK grade I, 38·1% as AK II and 6·8% as AK III (χ2 -test, P < 0·001). Only 2·6% of adjacent epidermal samples did not show any atypical keratinocytes. The epidermis adjacent to iSCCs was classified as having a PRO I basal growth pattern in 25·7%, PRO II in 31·9% and PROIII in 39·4% of cases. Only 2·9% of AKs showed no basal growth (χ2 -test, P < 0·001). In total 118 AKs (48·8%) showed extension into adnexal structures. These AKs were graded as PRO I in 18·6% of cases, PRO II in 30·5% and PRO III in 50·8%. The epidermis above iSCCs could be assessed only for upwards-directed growth and showed no significant differences in the three AK grades (P = 0·42). CONCLUSIONS: Basal proliferative AKs, as well as atypical keratinocytes restricted to the lower third of the epidermis, are most commonly seen adjacent to iSCC, with less evidence for full-thickness epidermal dysplasia. Our study supports the important role of dysplastic keratinocytes in the epidermal basal layer and their potential association with iSCC.

Topical resiquimod dosing regimens in patients with multiple actinic keratoses: a multicentre, partly placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Topical immune response modifiers are established for actinic keratosis (AK) treatment and efforts are underway to make further improvements to their efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the optimal dosing regimens of the Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist resiquimod in terms of efficacy, safety and tolerability. METHODS: In a multicentre, partly placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, we randomized 217 patients with AK lesions to 0·03% resiquimod gel once-daily application three times per week for 4 weeks or seven times within 2 weeks or five times for 1 week (arms 1/2/3) followed by a treatment-free interval of 8 weeks and one repetition of the cycle. In two additional arms (arms 4/5), patients applied either resiquimod gel 0·01% or 0·03% three times per week up to a biological end point defined by skin erosion or for a maximum duration of 8 weeks. Clearance was assessed clinically and histologically. RESULTS: Complete clinical clearance ranged from 56% to 85% with the highest rate observed in arm 2. Resiquimod 0·03% gel was more effective than 0·01% gel. Clearance rates in arms 1/2/3 were comparable and higher than with placebo and were reached with 24, 14 and 10 gel applications, respectively. Overall, 128 patients (59%) experienced treatment-related adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Resiquimod 0·03% gel is more effective than 0·01% gel. From the perspectives of safety and tolerability, the lower concentration and shorter duration are preferable. The clinical response in arms 2/3 was reached with fewer gel applications. The dosing regimens that used the biological end point (arms 4/5) proved equally efficacious as predefined treatment durations and may therefore be suitable for personalized AK treatment.

The actinic dysplasia syndrome - diagnostic approaches defining a new concept in field carcinogenesis with multiple cSCC.

Usually, SCC lesions are surrounded by a number of clinically visible and non-visible (subclinical) areas of actinically damaged skin containing cells with dysplasia, and thus may be designated actinic dysplasia syndrome. The epithelial damage is caused mainly by UV radiation, inducing mutations in keratinocytes that may confer growth advantages resulting in preneoplastic fields. The development of visible dysplastic lesions (actinic keratosis - AK) and subsequent progression to invasive SCC requires further mutations in cancer-associated genes, like tumour suppressor genes and cell cycle regulators. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) represent a considerable advantage for the investigation of field cancerization. In addition, imaging allows the non-invasive monitoring of topical treatments for AKs. RCM provides in vivo horizontal skin sections with a high, 1-µm lateral resolution (similar to histopathology) but with a limited penetration (about 200 µm), which can hamper the visualization of important areas such as the dermal-epidermal junction. Conventional OCT has better penetration (1-2 mm) at the expense of a more limited resolution (much lower than histopathology). Line-field confocal OCT (LC-OCT) combines the high precision of RCM and the good penetration of OCT in a single device and therefore appears to be very useful in diagnosing/managing AKs.

Medical treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma.

Considering the rising incidence, cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) has a high clinical relevance. In patients with localized cSCC, complete surgical resection is indicated. Radiotherapy should be performed in patients with non-resectable tumours or in patients who are not suitable for surgery. Systemic therapy is reserved for cSCC that are neither surgically nor radiotherapeutically curable due to their extensive local spread and/or local or distant metastasis. In the absence of prospective randomized phase 3 trials to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of chemotherapeutics, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and anti-PD-1 antibodies, no final recommendation for systemic therapy can be given for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC. Anti-PD-1 antibodies currently show promising results with response rates of up to 50% in both locally advanced and metastatic cSCC. Anti-PD-1 antibodies appear to achieve higher response rates compared with EGFR inhibitors, and the duration of response appears to be superior to both chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors. Compared with chemotherapy, the side effect profile of anti-PD-1 antibodies appears to be favourable. Altogether, PD-1 inhibitors are expected to become the new standard of care for patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCC. Currently, placebo-controlled clinical trials are investigating the adjuvant use of cemiplimab and pembrolizumab in patients undergoing resection and radiotherapy of high-risk cSCC. Patients not eligible for anti-PD-1 treatment, e.g. in organ transplant recipients, or in patients refractory to anti-PD-1 may be offered EGFR inhibitors and/or chemotherapies. Chemotherapies appear to be superior to EGFR inhibitors in terms of response rates, whereas EGFR inhibitors have a more favourable toxicity profile. EGFR inhibitors are therefore more suitable for multimorbid and/or frail elderly patients. By combining EGFR inhibitors with local therapy such as surgery or radiotherapy, response rates and duration of response may be improved.

Evaluation of two histological classifications for actinic keratoses - PRO classification scored highest inter-rater reliability.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses (AKs) can histologically be classified by the extent of atypical keratinocytes throughout the epidermis or their pattern of basal proliferation. Currently, no data on the inter-rater reliability of both scores is available. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the two classification schemes; histological grade (AK I-III) and basal proliferation (PRO I-III). METHODS: Histological images of 54 AKs were classified by 21 independent dermatopathologists with regard to basal proliferation (PRO I-III), histological grade (AK I-III) and assumed risk of progression into invasive carcinoma. RESULTS: Overall, of the 54 AKs 16.7% (9/54) were classified as AK I, 66.7% (36/54) as AK II, and 16.7% (9/54) as AK III. With regards to basal growth pattern, 25.9% (14/54) were classified as PRO I, 42.6% (23/54) as PRO II, and 31.5% (17/54) as PRO III. We observed a highly significant inter-rater reliability for PRO-grading (P < 0.001) which was higher than for AK-grading (Kendall's W coefficient: AK = 0.488 vs. PRO = 0.793). We found substantial agreement for assumed progression risk for AKs with worsening basal proliferation (k = 0.759) compared to moderate agreement (k = 0.563) for different AK-gradings. CONCLUSIONS: Histological classification of basal growth pattern (PRO) showed higher inter-rater reliability compared to the established classification of atypical keratinocytes throughout epidermal layers. Moreover, experienced dermatopathologists considered basal proliferation to be more important in terms of progression risk than upwards directed growth patterns. It should be considered to classify AKs according to their basal proliferation pattern (PRO I-III).

Low Drosha protein expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is associated with worse disease outcome.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) key regulators may contribute to the pathogenesis of malignancies. miRNA machinery genes such Dicer and Drosha have been reported to be biomarkers in different cancer types. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate Drosha and Dicer protein expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). METHODS: We performed Drosha and Dicer immunohistochemistry in 45 patients with mycosis fungoides and subtypes. Drosha and Dicer expression scores were correlated with clinical parameters including disease-specific death (DSD), stage of disease and different laboratory data. Uni- and multivariate statistics were performed. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, elevated serum LDH and low Drosha expression were significantly associated with advanced stage (P = 0.032 and 0.0062, respectively) and lymphoma-specific death (LSD; P = 0.017 and P = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, elevated circulating CD4+/CD26- lymphocytes were significantly associated with advanced stage (P = 0.032) and DSD (P = 0.0098). On multivariate analysis, low Drosha expression remained in the logistic regression model as significant independent predictor for advanced disease stages [P = 0.013; odds ratio: 5 (confidence interval) CI 1.3-19.3]. Moreover, low Drosha expression (P = 0.026) and elevated LDH (P = 0.025) remained as significant independent predictors for DSD with odds ratios of 13.5 (CI 1.3-134.4 and 8.7 CI 1.3-57.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low Drosha expression is an independent predictor for advanced stage as well as LSD in CTCL patients indicating a tumour suppressor gene function of Drosha in this disorder.

Dermatology today and tomorrow: from symptom control to targeted therapy.

For many decades and until recently, medical approach to dermatologic diseases has been based on the physician's ability to recognize and treat symptoms. Nowadays, advances in the understanding of the biology of diseases and in technologies for intervening against them have allowed physicians to diagnose and treat underlying disease processes rather than simply addressing the symptoms. This means that rather than addressing 'the disease in humans', physicians can now address the particular pathologic (biologic, molecular) disturbance as it presents in the individual patient, i.e., physicians now can practice something much closer to 'personalized medicine', leading to greater benefits for the patients and the health of society in general. The deeper understanding of ultraviolet radiation, the importance of photoprotection and increased knowledge about signalling pathways of melanoma and carcinoma have led to more complete care for the dermatologic patient. The current popularity for excessive exposure to the sun, without adequate application of the appropriate photoprotection remedies, is the origin of melanoma, but also for the weakening of the structure and functions of the skin. Indeed, fragility of the skin can affect humans around the world. In the senior population, this skin fragility is accompanied by pruritus, whereas atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease with highest prevalence in children and adolescents. Acne, the number one reason for dermatologic consultations worldwide, increases its prevalence in adolescents and in females. Senescent alopecia affects humans after menopause and andropause. The articles in this publication present an overview of the current advanced understanding of the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches in 6 fields of dermatology - dermatopaediatry and gerontodermatology, oncodermatology, hair loss, atopic dermatitis, photoprotection and acne - and thereby serve as a useful compendium of updated information and references for all healthcare professionals who see patients with presentations of the symptoms of these diseases.

Somatic mutations in kinetochore gene KNSTRN are associated with basal proliferating actinic keratoses and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in kinetochore gene KNSTRN accelerate the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and may correlate with different histological classifications of actinic keratosis (AKs). OBJECTIVE: To determine KNSTRN gene mutation frequency in healthy skin (HS), actinically damaged skin (ADS), in AKs with different histomorphological gradings and invasive SCCs. METHODS: All samples were histologically evaluated. AK lesions were additionally classified according to their upwards (AK I-III) and downwards (PRO I-III) directed growth pattern. Mutation analyses of all samples were performed using the Sanger method. RESULTS: With one exception, all detected mutations in KNSTRN gene showed an alanine-to-glutamate substitution at codon 40 (p.Ala40Glu). p.Ala40Glu mutation was found in 6.9% (2/29) of HS, in 16.1% (5/31) of ADS, in 18.3% (20/109) of AKs and in 30.0% (9/30) of invasive SCCs. Further stratification of AKs using the common AK classification of Röwert-Huber revealed the p.Ala40Glu mutation in 14.7% (5/43), 13.3% (4/30) and 24.4% (11/45) (AK I, II and III). In contrast, the new PRO classification showed a distribution of 3.6% (1/28) in PRO I, 21.7% (13/60) in PRO II and 28.6% (6/21) in PRO III. Mutation frequency in HS showed significant differences compared to AKs classified as PRO III and invasive SCCs (P < 0.05). In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences between HS and AKs when classified according to Röwert-Huber. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent somatic mutation p.Ala40Glu in KNSTRN gene is associated with basal proliferating AKs in accordance with invasive SCCs. This supports the impact of basal proliferative pattern in terms of progression.

Phase IV head-to-head randomized controlled trial comparing ingenol mebutate 0·015% gel with diclofenac sodium 3% gel for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp.

BACKGROUND: Ingenol mebutate (IngMeb) and diclofenac sodium (DS) are approved treatments for actinic keratosis (AK). OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of IngMeb 0·015% gel with DS 3% gel (NCT02406014). METHODS: Patients with 4-8 visible, discrete AK lesions on the face/scalp in a 25 cm2 contiguous area of skin were randomized 1:1 to IngMeb once-daily for three consecutive days or DS twice-daily for 90 days. Patients with AK lesions at Week 8 following IngMeb were offered a second IngMeb course. Primary end point was complete clearance of AK lesions (AKCLEAR 100) at end of first treatment course (Week 8, IngMeb; Week 17, DS). Secondary end points included AKCLEAR 100 at end of last treatment course and Week 17; adverse events (AEs) were assessed at these time points. Patients completed treatment satisfaction questionnaires for medication (TSQM; Week 17). RESULTS: AKCLEAR 100 at end of first treatment course was higher with IngMeb (34%) vs. DS (23%; P = 0·006). AKCLEAR 100 at end of last IngMeb course (53%) and Week 17 (45%) was higher than DS (both P < 0·001). The most frequent AE was application-site erythema (IngMeb 19%; DS 12%). Treatment-related AE (TRAE) duration was shorter with IngMeb. TRAE withdrawals were lower for IngMeb (2%) vs. DS (6%). TSQM scores for global satisfaction (P < 0·001) and effectiveness (P = 0·002) were higher with IngMeb, as was dosing instruction adherence (≥ 90% vs. 70%). CONCLUSIONS: AKCLEAR 100, patient treatment satisfaction and effectiveness were significantly higher with IngMeb compared with DS, demonstrating superiority of IngMeb for AK treatment on face/scalp.

Use of reflectance confocal microscopy to evaluate 5-fluorouracil 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% in the field-directed treatment of subclinical lesions of actinic keratosis: subanalysis of a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin disorder that can progress to invasive squamous-cell carcinoma. AK can present as clinical (visible) or subclinical (invisible) lesions within areas of chronic sun damage. The importance of treating subclinical AK is gaining support. We present a subanalysis of a previously published Phase III, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study (NCT02289768), to assess 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% treatment of subclinical AK lesions, based on reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% as field-directed treatment for subclinical AK lesions using RCM. METHODS: For inclusion in this subanalysis, patients had to have at least three subclinical AK lesions within a 25 cm2 area of skin. Subclinical AK lesions were diagnosed according to the presence of three key RCM criteria: architectural disarray; keratinocyte atypia and pleomorphism at the basal, spinous and granular layer. Subclinical AK lesions were evaluated by RCM at baseline, after 4, 6 and 12 weeks of 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% treatment or vehicle, and 8 weeks following the end of treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included: 17 [mean age = 72.2 years, standard deviation (SD) = 6.3] received 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% treatment and 10 (mean age = 76.4 years, SD = 3.9) received vehicle. Eight weeks following the end of treatment, the mean number of subclinical lesions declined (from 3.0 at baseline) to 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.57) for the 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% group and 1.6 (95% CI 0.52-2.68) in the vehicle group (reductions of 90% [95% CI 72.1-107.1] vs. 47% [95% CI 24.8-69.5], respectively; P = 0.005). The proportion of patients receiving 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% showing complete clearance of three preselected subclinical AK lesions was numerically greater than in the vehicle group (69% vs. 40%, respectively; P = 0.183). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized, vehicle-controlled study investigating 5-FU 0.5%/salicylic acid 10% treatment for subclinical AK lesions. The present data suggest some treatment efficacy for subclinical AK lesions detected using RCM. However, this subanalysis was not sufficiently powered and should be reproduced in a larger, subsequent cohort.

Baseline laboratory parameters predicting clinical outcome in melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab: a single-centre analysis.

BACKGROUND: Overall response rates (ORRs) for ipilimumab in advanced melanoma are only about 10%. Hence, it is important to explore biomarkers predicting ipilimumab responders. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore biomarkers to predict therapy outcome in melanoma patients who have undergone standard ipilimumab therapy in a real-world setting. METHODS: Databases of cutaneous melanoma patients (n = 52) who had received ipilimumab were reviewed and data collected on patient characteristics and diverse laboratory parameters. We performed univariate and multivariate statistics including logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS: Baseline leucocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, thrombocytes, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, thrombocytes/lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio and serum vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with ORR, progression-free survival (PFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Multivariate analysis confirmed anti-PD-1 pretreatment as significant predictor for ORR following ipilimumab therapy. Low-LDH levels and more than two ipilimumab cycles turned out to be significant independent predictors for prolonged PFS. Low-S100B levels and anti-PD-1 treatment before or after ipilimumab were significant independent predictors for improved MSS. All aforementioned parameters and faecal calprotectin did not turn out to be predictors for ipilimumab-induced autoimmune-related adverse events and autoimmune colitis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum LDH before ipilimumab treatment is an independent predictor for improved PFS. Furthermore, low serum S100B is an independent predictor for MSS. The number of ipilimumab cycles (>2) is significantly associated with prolonged PFS. Pretreatment calprotectin does not predict the occurrence of autoimmune colitis under ipilimumab therapy.