Journal of Drugs in Dermatology articles from May 2004

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology archives from May 2004

A letter from the Editor-in-Chief.
May 1, 2004... The Skin Cancer Foundation is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2004, and has brought about great changes in these years. In 1979, public awareness of the harmful effects of the sun was almost non-existent. There were no...

The saga of insecticide exposure with an increased risk of melanoma.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... As physicians with 'nit-picking' interest and patents in 'lousy' diseases like head lice and cooties, we read with interest Noah Scheinfeld's January/February article on insect repellents (1). In light of the association of insecticides with...

Modification of Burow's triangle.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Karl August Burow first published his method of excising lateral triangles for grafting defects in 1853. These so-called Burow's triangles avoid dog-earing of the skin at the incision ends. The excision of a triangle at the flap itself results...

New insights into imiquimod's mechanisms of action.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Imiquimod, an immune response modifier with potent antiviral and antitumor properties, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of various cutaneous neoplasms. Besides stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory...

Rosacea: where are we now?(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Advances continue to be made in the classification and treatment of rosacea, a chronic dermatologic syndrome. A new empiric classification system identifies 4 rosacea subtypes (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous,...

Intralesional immunotherapy for warts using a combination of skin test antigens: a safe and effective therapy.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Warts are a common dermatologic problem. There are many treatments available. Intralesional injection of a skin test antigen has been shown to be efficacious at eradicating all warts when only a part of one wart is injected. The...

Long-term fat preservation.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract The injection of autologous free fat obtained by suction-assisted lipectomy for the correction of soft tissue defects is a common procedure in plastic surgery. However, unpredictable partial absorption of the injected fat often...

Etanercept for the treatment of psoriasis: combination therapy with other modalities.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Etanercept is a self-administered medication that has FDA approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Etanercept is a human fusion protein of...

Off-label uses and side effects of infliximab.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Infliximab was first approved by the FDA in 1998 as a treatment of moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease in patients who have an inadequate response to conventional therapies, and fistulizing Crohn's disease. In November...

Antiandrogen oligonucleotides: active principles in hair- and skin-derived culture cells.(Articles)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Most drugs used for treatment of androgen-related dermatological disorders are not completely satisfactory in terms of clinical efficacy and potential secondary effects. There is, therefore, a need for a new generation of specific...

The IFRA: working towards the continually-improved safety of fragrance ingredients and the importance of a partnership with the dermatological community.(Focus on: the International Fragrance Association)
May 1, 2004... Abstract The relationship between the fragrance industry and the dermatological community in the past has not always been perceived as one of partnership. IFRA, the International Fragrance Association, has started a series of initiatives...

Follicular mycosis fungoides: successful treatment with oral bexarotene.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Follicular mycosis fungoides, a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is often difficult to treat. We present a case of a female with follicular mycosis fungoides who showed an excellent response to low-dose (150 mg/[m.sup.2])...

Serum sickness due to infliximab in a patient with psoriasis.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Infliximab is a chimeric, murine-human, monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis alpha which has shown great efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. Serum sickness, which is an immune complex mediated syndrome consisting of a...

Solitary mastocytoma successfully treated with a moderate potency topical steroid.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract We report a case of solitary mastocytoma in a child which was successfully treated with a topical steroid of moderate potency. The patient was an 18-month-old girl who presented with localized oval shape yellowish to...

Lupus erythematosus and lichen planus overlap syndrome.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract A case of lupus erythematosus (LE) and lichen planus (LP) overlap syndrome in a 71-year-old woman is presented. This disease displays characteristics of both LE and LP. The clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic features of...

Counter-regulatory balance: atopic dermatitis in patients undergoing infliximab infusion therapy.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Atopic dermatitis has been characterized as an autoimmune or auto-allergic phenomenon in which environmental allergens resembling human proteins activate auto-reactive T-cells to release pro-inflammatory cytokines of the T-helper...

Palmar erythema due to topiramate.(Case Reports)
May 1, 2004... Abstract Topiramate is an anti-convulsant often used off-label for the treatment of several conditions, including obesity and schizophrenia. This case report describes palmar erythema as a side effect in a patient using topiramate for...

Does sunscreen cause melanoma? Researchers now strongly say no.(Skin Cancer Foundation Update)
May 1, 2004... The debate has raged on and on. Does sunscreen help prevent melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer? Or, as some have theorized, does it actually cause the disease? Unfortunately, the jury may be out awhile on the first question, but...

INGN 241 enters Phase II studies for malignant melanoma.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. will begin Phase II clinical studies of its drug INGN 241 in patients with metastatic melanoma. Mda-7/IL-24, the active component of INGN 241, is a novel tumor suppressor gene that appears to fight cancer cells by...

Supplemental Application filed for first-line use of Remicade in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... The FDA recently accepted Centocor's filing of a supplemental Biologics License Application for Remicade (infliximab) as first-line therapy, in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently,...

NeoRx initiates Phase III trial for multiple myeloma.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... NeoRx has begun patient enrollment for a Phase III clinical trial of its lead cancer therapeutic, STR (Skeletal Targeted Radiotherapy). STR is being developed for use with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation to treat...

Polyphenon E Ointment currently in Phase III studies for genital warts.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... The German-American biotech company MediGene AG achieved excellent results in a European Phase III trial of their Polyphenon E Ointment for the treatment of genital warts. MediGene AG is also currently conducting Phase III trials in the United...

Polyphenon E Ointment to enter Phase II trial in treatment of actinic keratoses.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... MediGene AG recently announced that its Polyphenon E ointment for the treatment of genital warts will be tested for the treatment of actinic keratoses. The Phase II trial will involve 60 patients and will be carried out in a total of 6 leading...

Early positive results for new rheumatoid arthritis drug CDP870.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... Celltech Group announced positive preliminary results from a Phase III clinical trial of CDP870 (Study 014) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The six-month study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the drug in combination with...

Genmab's drug HuMax-CD4 granted fast-track status for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... The FDA recently granted Genmab fast-track status for its biologics license application (BLA) to market HuMax-CD4 to treat people with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have not responded positively to currently available therapy. The drug, a...

FDA approves Palomar's LuxV laser for the treatment of acne vulgaris.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... The FDA has approved Palomar's LuxV for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. The device was previously cleared only to treat pigmented lesions. The LuxV emits pulses of intense light that alter the structure and function of the...

MacroChem to begin clinical studies for onychomycosis treatment.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... MacroChem has launched a Phase I clinical trial to test a new treatment for nail fungus. The trial is designed to determine the safety of EcoNail in the treatment of onychomycosis. EcoNail is MacroChem's investigational topical treatment for...

Additional indications for Laserscope's Gemini laser.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... Laserscope has reported that the FDA has cleared its Gemini laser system for three major additional indications, including acne treatment, permanent hair reduction, and wrinkle reduction. Including these new clearances. Laserscope's Gemini...

Sculptra from dermik laboratories receives FDA recommendation for approval for HIV-associated lipoatrophy.(Pipeline Previews)
May 1, 2004... The FDA advisory committee has unanimously recommended, with conditions, U.S. marketing approval of Sculptra (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) for the proposed indication to correct shape and contour deficiencies resulting from facial fat loss...

Infliximab for the treatment of severe steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in three patients after allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation.(Washington Whispers)
May 1, 2004... The authors present three patients with severe GVHD not responding to treatment with steroids. The cohort of patients had developed grade II-IV GVHD after transplant and received treatment with high-dose steroids for a median of 7 days (range...

Excision margins in high-risk malignant melanoma.(Washington Whispers)
May 1, 2004... The authors conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing 1-cm and 3-cm margins. A total of 900 patients enrolled; 453/900 (50.3%) were randomly assigned to undergo surgery with a 1-cm margin of excision and 447 (49.7%) with a 3-cm margin of...

Antibiotic use in relation to the risk of breast cancer.(Washington Whispers)
May 1, 2004... The authors state that the use of antibiotics may be associated with risk of breast cancer through effects on immune function, inflammation, and metabolism of estrogen and phytochemicals; the objective of this study was to examine the...

Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes.(Washington Whispers)
May 1, 2004... The authors set forth to prove that valacyclovir (a nucleoside analogue) suppresses shedding of HSV type 2 (HSV-2) on genital mucosal surfaces and may prevent sexual transmission of HSV. A total of 1484 immunocompetent, heterosexual,...

Pemphigus vulgaris acantholysis ameliorated by cholinergic agonists.(Washington Whispers)
May 1, 2004... The authors in this study injected littermates of neonatal athymic nude mice with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) to determine whether a cholinergic agonist can abolish PV IgG-induced acantholysis. Previous studies have determined the importance of...

Photodynamic therapy in treating patients with skin cancer.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Roswell Park Cancer Institute Photodynamic therapy uses light and drugs that make cancer cells more sensitive to light to kill tumor cells. Photodynamic therapy using...

Topical imiquimod compared with surgery in treating patients with basal cell skin cancer.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Cancer Research UK Biological therapies such as imiquimod use different ways to stimulate the immune system and stop cancer cells from growing. It is not yet known if topical...

Phase II randomized study of cultured skin substitutes versus split thickness skin grafts in patients with severe burn injuries.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by FDA Office of Orphan Products Development, University of Cincinnati The objective of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of biosynthetic skin substitute as a...

Follow-up protocol for patients with cancer/AIDS/skin disease.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) This protocol is to provide follow-up medical/surgical visits for DCS patients who are long term survivors and may not currently be a participant...

Study of psoriatic arthritis.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This study will examine the genetic and immune factors involved in the cause and development of...

Anakinra to treat patients with neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anakinra (Kineret[R]) for treating...

Infliximab (Remicade[R]) to treat dermatomyositis and polymyositis.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This study will examine whether infliximab (Remicade[R]) is safe and effective for the treatment of...

Study and treatment of inflammatory muscle diseases.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This study of inflammatory muscle diseases--polymyositis and dermatomyositis and related...

Celecoxib in preventing skin cancer in patients with actinic keratoses.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Chemoprevention therapy is the use of certain drugs to try to prevent the development or recurrence of cancer....

Phase II randomized trial of arginine butyrate plus standard local therapy in patients with refractory sickle cell ulcers.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by FDA Office of Orphan Products Development, Boston University School of Medicine The objective of this trial is to compare the efficacy of local care alone vs. local care plus...

Phase II trial of Allovectin-7[R] for metastatic melanoma.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Vical The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine if Allovectin-7[R], an experimental gene-based immunotherapy, can shrink melanoma tumors. The trial will also examine if...

Skin response to sunlight.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) This study will explore the relationship between skin cancer and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure by measuring gene expression patterns in...

Phase II trial of TD-6424 versus standard therapy for complicated gram positive infections of the skin and soft tissue.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Theravance Serious infections caused by resistant bacteria are becoming more of a medical problem throughout the world. This study will measure how well Theravance's...

Study of skin tumors in tuberous sclerosis.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Tuberous sclerosis is a rare, hereditary disease in which patients develop multiple tumors. Although not cancerous, the tumors...

Study of systemic lupus erythematosus.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) This protocol will evaluate patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives to...

Study of patients with Strongyloides Stercoralis infection.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Ordinarily, the Strongyloides helminth (type of intestinal worm) causes only few, if any, symptoms, but in people...

The role of cytokines on growth hormone suppression in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of treatment with etanercept.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Growth hormone promotes bone and muscle growth. With aging, people lose muscle mass and bone...

Serum protein patterns in participants with mycosis fungoides/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, or normal skin.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) The presence of specific serum proteins may allow a doctor to determine if a patient has mycosis fungoides/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This pilot...

Tigecycline in the treatment of selected serious infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Wyeth-Ayerst Research The primary objective of this multicenter, double-blind, randomized (3:1) study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tigecycline versus linezolid and...

Leptin to treat lipodystrophy.(Clinical Trial Review)
May 1, 2004... This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of leptin replacement therapy in patients with...

Previously unpublished case reports and case studies are eligible for this open-ended contest.(Case Report Contest Rules & Entry Form)
May 1, 2004... To enter, contestants must submit a previously unpublished case study or case report in the field of dermatology, along with this signed entry form permitting the Journal to publish their entries. Entries may be made either by mail or e-mail;...