Therapeutic reduction of cell-mediated immunosuppression in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Tumor progression is associated with progressive immunosuppression mediated in part by T regulatory cell(s) (Treg) and/or myeloid-derived suppressor cell(s) (MDSC). Development of strategies to reduce populations of immune cells with suppressive function in cancer patients may enable the induction or recovery of immunity against tumor cells, which may limit or reverse disease progression. With a goal of developing Treg and MDSC neutralizing strategies to treat mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SzS), we determined the association between disease stage and suppressor cell populations in patients with MF/SzS, including those responding to therapy. We found elevations in Treg populations, across Treg subtypes, in patients with SzS, and these Treg markedly suppressed proliferation of autologous CD4+CD25- responder T cells. Interestingly, while MDSC numbers were not increased in MF/SzS patients, MDSC from patients with stage IB and above produced significantly more reactive oxygen species than those from stage IA MF patients and control cohorts. Therapy with the CD25-targeting agent denileukin diftitox or IFN-α2b was associated with a reduction in Treg numbers or MDSC function, respectively. These studies identify potential mechanisms of action for these therapies and support the development of coordinated strategies targeting both Treg and MDSC activities in patients with MF/SzS.

Role of protective gloves in the causation and treatment of occupational irritant contact dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis of the hands is a significant occupational problem. Management primarily involves cessation of exposure to hazardous substances. Protective gloves can reduce or eliminate exposure of the hands to hazardous substances if used correctly, but if not selected and used correctly, protective gloves can actually cause or worsen irritant contact dermatitis of the hands by increasing exposure of the hands to hazardous chemicals. We present two cases of occupational irritant contact dermatitis of the hands caused by incorrect use of protective gloves. Glove failure can occur by penetration, permeation, or contamination, and all 3 mechanisms were operative in these cases. These cases demonstrate that correct use of gloves is at least as important as selection of gloves made of the appropriate material. By understanding mechanisms of glove failure, clinicians can make more appropriate recommendations for the selection and use of protective gloves in the workplace.

Mohs surgery for melanoma in situ.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a valuable option for the treatment of melanoma in situ, especially lesions of the lentigo maligna subtype that are clinically ill defined. Complete peripheral margin assessment of a tumor's borders by means of frozen or permanent sections can help reduce the surgical defect size and maximize cure rate as compared with standard excision with preset 5-mm margins. This article reviews the different variations of Mohs micrographic surgery that are currently used for melanoma in situ.

Nutrition and the deleterious side effects of nutritional supplements.

The potential adverse effects associated with some of the more common oral vitamin supplements--vitamins A, D, and E and niacin (forms include nicotinic acid and nicotinamide), and mineral supplements--zinc, copper, and iron, used in dermatology are manifold. Although the dermatologist may be familiar with adverse effects of vitamins A and D, less well-known adverse effects, such as hematologic and neurologic effects from zinc, are presented.