Oncoviruses and melanomas: A retrospective study and literature review.

The role of human oncoviruses in melanoma has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between oncoviruses and melanomas searching for human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 8DNA in melanoma specimens. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of cutaneous, mucosal, and ocular melanomas (OM) were selected from the Pathology Departments of the Galliera Hospital (Genoa) and the University Hospitals of Turin and Cagliari. Cutaneous and mucosal nevi have been collected as controls. The oncoviruses search has been performed with different polymerase chain reaction reagent kits. Fifty-four melanomas (25 mucosal, 12 ocular, and 17 cutaneous) and 26 nevi (15 cutaneous and 11 mucosal) specimens were selected. The detection rate for one of the investigated oncoviruses was 17% in mucosal, 20% in ocular, and 0% in cutaneous melanomas (CMs). Despite the differences between groups seeming remarkable, there was no statistical significance (p > 0.5). Our data do not support a primary role of oncoviruses in melanoma carcinogenesis; however, the finding of HPV and EBV DNA in a considerable fraction of mucosal and OMs suggests that these viruses may act as cofactors in the development of extra-CMs.

Erythrodermic psoriasis in a dialyzed patient successfully treated with Secukinumab.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe, life-threatening condition with additional complications, when occurring in hemodialyzed patients, as the majority of treatments are contraindicated. A 44-years-old man, of Philippine origins, with a 15-years-history of psoriasis treated with cyclosporine developed progressive hypertension and renal insufficiency. Despite drug dismission, renal function worsen to end-stage, and hemodialysis was necessary three times a week. Phototherapy was not able to control the skin condition, progressing to erythroderma, and after nephrology consultation, the patient consent to the off-label secukinumab treatment, at the standard regimen (300 mg subcutaneously once weekly at weeks 0-4 followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks). Seven days after the first injection, a rapid improvement was noted, with the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score passing from 31.5 to 17.6. At the 52-week-follow-up visit, the patient was completely clarified, without any side effects. The case supports secukinumab effectiveness and safety in difficult patients, including erythrodermic psoriasis with end-stage renal failure, as drug plasma levels seem not to be affected by hemodialysis. Results are rapidly achieved, and long term maintained, with the additional advantage of a very comfortable monthly administration.

Biologic anti-IL17 drugs in erythrodermic psoriasis.

Background: Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a potentially life-threatening disease, and there is currently no consensus regarding its optimal treatment. Biological drugs approved for Psoriasis Vulgaris treatment have been used as alternatives to traditional medications. Objective: To evaluate the clinical response and tolerability of anti- interleukin 17 (IL17) biologic drugs during a 2-year-follow-up. Methods: This was a retrospective prospective study. EP cases, defined as >75% body surface area involvement, in patients ≥18 years old treated with anti-IL17 for at least 6 consecutive months were enrolled and then followed until 104 weeks. Patient characteristics, overall clinical responses, Psoriasis Area Severity Index score changes, and adverse events were analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients met the criteria, of which 50% had achieved the Psoriasis Area Severity Index 100 response at week 12 and in 93.7% at week 24. In the prospective observation of the cohort, 87.5% were still in remission at week 52 and 81.25% at 104 weeks, without adverse events. The 3 patients in whom the treatment was interrupted lost efficacy and were switched to other therapies. Limitations: Only descriptive analysis was conducted due to the limited number of patients. Conclusions: A satisfactory long-term clinical response without adverse effects was observed in this case series, suggesting the interest of anti-IL17 in EP treatment.

Melanoma in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Among older patients, melanoma in general presents biological features related to a more aggressive biology, such as more locally advanced tumor. Management of melanoma in elderly may be difficult, mainly due to comorbidities. We report the experience of the Melanoma Unit of ASST Spedali Civili in Brescia, Italy. METHODS: Study subjects were drawn from 3444 patients with histological confirmed melanoma. Data were extracted from electronic database of the Melanoma Unit of ASST Spedali Civili in Brescia, Italy. Patients who received diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma at age of 65 years or older were retrospectively evaluated. For each diagnosed melanoma, histological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 805 patients described in this study, 444 were males and 361 females. Statistically significant differences were found between patients aged 65-80 years and those aged >80 years considering melanoma prognostic factors, such as Breslow thickness, number of mitoses/mm2 and ulceration. CONCLUSIONS: Older age is recognized as an independent poor prognostic factor in melanoma patients, and melanoma in older patients have a distinct natural history. It was found that management of cancer in old person represents a major challenge to medical practice. We believe that the choice of therapy should be individualized and based upon the individual's overall health and that, particularly in these cases, management often requires interdisciplinary cooperation between dermatologist, surgical specialist, oncologist and geriatrician.