Ipilimumab induces simultaneous regression of melanocytic naevi and melanoma metastases

in Clinical & Experimental Dermatology (2012), (4452), 1-4

Background : Ipilimumab blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA)-4, potentiating the antimelanoma T-cell host reponse. Ipilimumab has been shown to improve overall survival in patients with ... [more ▼]

Background : Ipilimumab blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA)-4, potentiating the antimelanoma T-cell host reponse. Ipilimumab has been shown to improve overall survival in patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma. CTLA-4 antibodies generate immune responses to the melanoma-associated antigens Melan-A, NY-ESO-1 and glycoprotein (gp) 100 in metastatic melanoma. Digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) is a noninvasive method permitting the monitoring of the morphology of melanocytic lesions over time. Observation : A 50-year-old man with metastatic melanoma received four ipilimumab injections after failure of dacarbazine chemotherapy. Positron emission tomography revealed regression of pulmonary metastases, and simultaneously, DELM showed regression of several melanocytic naevi. On histological examination of the regressing naevi, prominent CD8+, CD4+ and CD45R0 lichenoid lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were seen, whereas nonregressing naevi were almost free of inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion : Expression of melanoma-associated antigens in benign melanocytic naevi may explain the induction of naevus regression by ipilimumab. DELM could represent a valuable noninvasive method to monitor ipilimumab efficacy. [less ▲]

L'image du mois. Melanome a croissance rapide.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2009), 64(9), 429-31

Voir l'iceberg au ras des flots en scotomisant la métrologie cutanée.

in Dermatologie Actualité (2009), 117

Established and emerging oral antifungals in dermatology

in Dermatologic, cosmeceutic and cosmetic development (2008)

Porokératoses verruqueuses multiples

in Dermatologie Actualité (2008), 106

Emerging therapeutic agents for onychomycosis.

in Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs (2007), 12(3), 345-53

Onychomycosis is a frequent disorder that represents the most prevalent fungal infection, particularly among older individuals. Diverse fungi of the dermatophyte, non-dermatophyte mold and yeast families ... [more ▼]

Onychomycosis is a frequent disorder that represents the most prevalent fungal infection, particularly among older individuals. Diverse fungi of the dermatophyte, non-dermatophyte mold and yeast families have been reported to be responsible for onychomycosis. The output from the pharmaceutical industry of new antifungals to treat onychomycosis has been limited over the last decade. Present treatment options include both oral and topical drugs, with oral therapies giving better outcomes. However, neither of these treatment options provides high cure rates that are durable. At present, azoles and allylamines are keeping the pivotal roles. New derivatives with a favorable risk-benefit ratio and new formulations of older azoles seem to be promising. Thus, ongoing drug development activities have focused on novel delivery technologies to facilitate incorporation of existing antifungal drugs inside the nail plate and the discovery of new active antifungals. [less ▲]

Confrontation anatomo-clinique. Le cancer cutané a-t-il été éradique?

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2007), 62(9), 582-4

Distinguishing complete removal of a skin cancer and its partial destruction is frequently requested by the clinicians and their patients. The information is awaited from the laboratory, but it is not ... [more ▼]

Distinguishing complete removal of a skin cancer and its partial destruction is frequently requested by the clinicians and their patients. The information is awaited from the laboratory, but it is not always correctly interpreted by the information-seekers. The factors influencing this assessment include the combination of the nature of the antineoplastic therapy, the sampling modality of the area to be examined, and the quality of the dermatopathology procedure. In addition, the possibility of neoplastic regression linked to scarring or, conversely, the existence of a possible field cancerisation should be taken into consideration. [less ▲]

La peau et le temps de la menopause.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2006), 61(3), 159-62

The estrogen deficit occurring at menopause manifests itself under various modalities in the diverse organs and their functions. Skin does not escape this global involutive process. In addition to the ... [more ▼]

The estrogen deficit occurring at menopause manifests itself under various modalities in the diverse organs and their functions. Skin does not escape this global involutive process. In addition to the effects of chronological ageing, sunlight exposure and other environmental and endogenous stimuli, the climacteric appears to exert some dramatic consequences on skin biology and aspect. The epidermis, its adnexae and the dermis are altered by this process. The epidermis may become xerotic and exhibits altered functions. The dermis thins out and its elasticity decreases in concert with the decline in bone mass. The skin microcirculation is impaired. These aspects are some of the better-worked out skin climacteric changes of which in turn seem to be stabilized or in part reversible with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). [less ▲]

Cutaneous mucormycosis.

in Journal de Mycologie Médicale (2006), 16

Granulomatous cutaneous centrofacial and meningocerebral amebiasis.

in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2006), 7(4), 267-9

A 7-year-old, otherwise healthy Peruvian boy presented with a 3-month history of an indurated centrofacial plaque. Histologic examination revealed a granuloma containing free-living amebae tentatively ... [more ▼]

A 7-year-old, otherwise healthy Peruvian boy presented with a 3-month history of an indurated centrofacial plaque. Histologic examination revealed a granuloma containing free-living amebae tentatively identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris. The patient failed to respond to tentative treatment. He was admitted to the intensive care unit 7 months later with neurologic manifestations of granulomatous amebic encephalitis, which proved fatal. The difficulty in diagnosing this rare presentation of cutaneous amebiasis, the challenge of treating the condition, and the morbidity and high mortality associated with cerebral involvement are discussed. [less ▲]