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A clinician’s opinion on ineffective dermatologic therapies
January 1st 2014Over the decades, many highly useful treatment modalities have been developed which have greatly improved the lives of our patients. However, many additional therapies with questionable usefulness have also become part of our treatment armamentarium.
Secukinumab shows superiority to etanercept
January 1st 2014Recent head-to-head clinical trial results with secukinumab (Novartis) and etanercept (Enbrel, Amgen) show a significant superiority of secukinumab in the treatment and management of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, perhaps heralding a new standard of care for this patient population.
SCC staging update defines high-risk tumors
January 1st 2014A new tumor staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) has recently been put forward that, according to one recent study, improves prognostic discrimination by more precisely defining the small subset of tumors with a high risk of metastatic and death.
Initial accurate diagnosis critical for rare tumors
January 1st 2014Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) share a similar histological picture. But unlike AFX, UPS can have an aggressive clinical course, underscoring the importance of initial accurate diagnosis of these tumors, and the implementation of appropriate therapy.
Apps make delivery of medicine more personal
December 1st 2013Smartphone applications (apps) have become very popular in mainstream medicine and dermatology. Though the use of apps can and should not replace clinical judgment or physician interaction, smartphone apps can be practical and helpful in facilitating dermatologic care on both sides of the physician-patient spectrum.
Quality time with patients improves adherence to medications
December 1st 2013Patient compliance to suggested therapy, whether topic or oral, remains the major obstacle in achieving good treatment outcomes in dermatology. Establishing trust with the patient, choosing a treatment plan that the patient likes, and scheduling the follow-up visit soon after first presentation are all key steps the physician can take in helping to improve patient compliance and further, treatment outcomes.