Is primary melanoma ulceration a factor of good response to adoptive immunotherapy?

BACKGROUND

Primary melanoma ulceration is a factor of poor prognosis at the local and regional stage. The physiopathological mechanisms which explain its prognostic impact are still little known. However, two recent studies suggest that it could be a predictive factor of good response to a non-specific immunotherapy (interferon-alpha) and to an active immunotherapy (vaccine).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether ulceration could be a factor of good prognosis in the context of an adoptive immunotherapy with tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in stage III regional lymph node metastatic melanoma (sixth American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system) and whether it was associated with an improvement in the effectiveness of this treatment compared with the control group.

METHODS

We have included all the patients treated in open prospective randomized TIL vs. control protocols in our unit from 1997 to 2009. Clinical data were derived retrospectively from patient files. Statistical analysis was performed using log-rank tests, Cox models and tests for interaction.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were included. In the group of 80 patients treated with TIL, primary melanoma ulceration remained a pejorative factor for relapse-free and overall survival in univariate and multivariate analysis. The presence of ulceration did not change the effectiveness of TIL treatment in comparison with the control group with regards to relapse-free and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that primary melanoma ulceration does not have any impact on the response to TIL adoptive immunotherapy and thus does not confirm its positive prognostic value suggested by two other immunotherapy approaches.

Adjuvant therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b (36 months) versus low-dose interferon alfa-2b (18 months) in melanoma patients without macro-metastatic nodes: EADO trial

LBA8506

Background: Adjuvant therapy with low-dose adjuvant interferon alfa-2b (IFN) as well as with pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFN) were both shown to be superior to observation in melanoma (M) patients (pts) without macro-metastatic nodes. However, the two strategies have never been assessed head to head. Weekly injection of PEG-IFN facilitates a longer duration of treatment which may be critical for benefit. We thus compared adjuvant therapy of flat low-dose PEG-IFN (36 months) versus low-dose IFN (18 months) in intermediate-risk M pts without macro-metastatic nodes.

Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, prospective randomized phase III trial, pts with resected M ≥ 1.5 mm in thickness and without clinically detectable nodes were randomized either to IFN (3 MU subcutaneously [sc] 3 times a week for 18 months) or to PEG-IFN (100 mcg sc once weekly for 36 months). Sentinel node procedure (SNP) was not a standard in 2003 and thus was optional. Approach was consistent by center. Randomization was stratified for centers and SNP procedure. Primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS), and secondary were distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and grade 3-4 severe adverse events (SAE). Sample size (890 pts) was calculated to detect a 10% difference (power >80%, type I error of 5%, 2-sided) for RFS. Analysis describes 5-year probability of survival. Comparisons were done by intent-to-treat using Cox proportional models.

Results: Of 898 pts enrolled, 896 (443 PEG vs 453 IFN) were eligible for evaluation after a median follow-up of 4.7 years. SLNB was performed in 68.2% of pts. Neither RFS (PEG-IFN 66.2% vs IFN 64.8%, p=0.43; HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.15) nor DMFS (71.3% vs 72.6%, p=0.86; HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.32) or OS (77.0% vs 78.4%, p=0.55; HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.45) showed statistical difference. There was an excess of SAE grade 3-4 in PEG-IFN arm (44.6% vs 26.6% in the first 18 months) which impacted on median duration of treatment (17.8 months in IFN arm; 19.2 in PEG-IFN arm, with only 28% completing 36 months treatment).

Conclusions: Flat low-dose PEG-IFN did not show superiority over conventional low dose IFN. Attempts to increase benefit by prolonging treatment with PEG-IFN over 3 years were hampered by a high rate of treatment discontinuation possibly linked to SAEs with PEG-IFN.

[Table: see text]

[Orofacial manifestations of systemic sclerosis: A study of 30 consecutive patients]

INTRODUCTION

The face is frequently involved in systemic sclerosis. The main stomatologic manifestations include limited mouth opening, xerostomia, skin atrophy, trigeminal neuralgia. The objective of this study was to describe oral and facial manifestations observed in scleroderma patients from our cohort.

METHODS

Between March and October 2006, a stomatologic consultation was included in the follow-up of scleroderma patients seen during consultation or daily hospital in internal medicine or dermatology units. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected. Stomatologic examination comprised measure of the mouth opening, sugar's and Schirmer's tests, orthopantomogram analysis, and evaluation of the repercussion of symptoms on quality of life using a visual analogical scale (VAS between 0 and 10).

RESULTS

This study included 30 patients (women 87 %, mean age 58.6 + or - 13.6 years). Mean duration of systemic sclerosis (n=20 limited cutaneous form, n=10 diffuse form) was eight years. Stomatologic manifestations were: skin atrophy (n=28), peribuccal rhagades (n=25), telangiectasia (n=21), decreased mouth opening (n=20), xerostomia (n=20), xerophtalmia (n=16), periodontal ligament space widening (n=10), bone resorptions (n=2), trigeminal neuralgia (n=1). Xerostomia was considered more discomforting (mean VAS=3.8) than decreased mouth opening (mean VAS=2.6). Xerostomia was the second more discomforting sign of scleroderma and was significantly associated to the limited cutaneous form (p=0.045) and to anticentromeres antibodies expression (p=0.002). Decreased mouth opening was correlated to oesophageal involvement (p=0.025).

CONCLUSION

Oral and facial manifestations are frequently observed in scleroderma patients. These manifestations lead to major functional discomfort, mainly due to decreased mouth opening that seems to be frequently associated to oesophageal involvement. Xerostomia is also frequent and is commonly observed in anticentromere antibodies positive cutaneous limited forms of systemic sclerosis. Evolution of radiographic abnormalities like periodontal ligament space widening (33 % of cases), or osteolytic lesions (7 %) is poorly known.

Immunotherapy of distant metastatic disease

Immunotherapy of metastatic melanoma consists of various approaches leading to specific or non-specific immunomodulation. The use of FDA-approved interleukin (IL)-2 alone, in combination with interferon alpha, and/or with various chemotherapeutic agents (biochemotherapy) is associated with significant toxicity and poor efficacy that does not improve overall survival of 96% of patients. Many studies with allogeneic and autologous vaccines have demonstrated no clinical benefit, and some randomised trials even showed a detrimental effect in the vaccine arm. The ongoing effort to develop melanoma vaccines based on dendritic cells and peptides is driven by advances in understanding antigen presentation and processing, and by new techniques of vaccine preparation, stabilisation and delivery. Several agents that have shown promising activity in metastatic melanoma including IL-21 and monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4) or CD137 are discussed. Recent advances of intratumour gene transfer technologies and adoptive immunotherapy, which represents a promising although technically challenging direction, are also discussed.

Chemical peels in aesthetic dermatology: an update 2009

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Peelings are among the oldest and most widespread aesthetic procedures used in aesthetic dermatology worldwide. More than 50 commercial peelings are currently available on the European market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present review, we summarise the current knowledge on chemical peels.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

A state-of-the-art peeling procedure will take into account the depth of the targeted structure and the skin condition of the patient to choose carefully among the variables such as chemical class of the peeling agent, concentration, frequency and pressure of the application. The usual classification of chemical peels comprises superficial, medium and deep peels. For superficial peels alpha-hydroxy-acids and most recently lipo-hydroxy acid are used to induce an exfoliation of the epidermis. Medium-depth agents such as trichloroacetic acid (<50%) cause an epidermal to papillary dermal peel and regeneration. Deep peels using trichloroacetic acid (>50%) or phenol based formulations reach the reticular dermis to induce dermal regeneration. The success of any peel is crucially dependent on the physicians understanding of the chemical and biological processes, as well as of indications, clinical effectiveness and side effects of the procedures.

Chemical peels in aesthetic dermatology: an update 2009

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Peelings are among the oldest and most widespread aesthetic procedures used in aesthetic dermatology worldwide. More than 50 commercial peelings are currently available on the European market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present review, we summarise the current knowledge on chemical peels.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

A state-of-the-art peeling procedure will take into account the depth of the targeted structure and the skin condition of the patient to choose carefully among the variables such as chemical class of the peeling agent, concentration, frequency and pressure of the application. The usual classification of chemical peels comprises superficial, medium and deep peels. For superficial peels alpha-hydroxy-acids and most recently lipo-hydroxy acid are used to induce an exfoliation of the epidermis. Medium-depth agents such as trichloroacetic acid (<50%) cause an epidermal to papillary dermal peel and regeneration. Deep peels using trichloroacetic acid (>50%) or phenol based formulations reach the reticular dermis to induce dermal regeneration. The success of any peel is crucially dependent on the physicians understanding of the chemical and biological processes, as well as of indications, clinical effectiveness and side effects of the procedures.

Addition of zinc and manganese to a biological dressing

BACKGROUND

Zinc and manganese, which are used in vivo because of their healing properties, have been shown to modulate in vitro integrin expression and to enhance keratinocyte migration. In addition, at the clinical level, a dressing of keratinocytes suspended in a fibrin glue has been proposed for the treatment of chronic wounds.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the addition of trace elements to this dressing could modulate the migratory phenotype of keratinocytes via the modulation of integrin expression in a manner similar to an in vitro model and thus increase the healing properties of this dressing.

METHODS

Keratinocytes were mixed with Tissucol and maintained in culture for 12 days in a medium either supplemented or not with zinc or manganese. Then, integrin expression was studied by immunohistochemistry on fibrin clot cryosections.

RESULTS

We observed a significant increase of alpha5beta1 with zinc compared to the control medium. Zinc also enhanced alphaVbeta6 expression and manganese alpha5beta1, alphaVbeta5 and alphaVbeta6 expression, however without reaching a significant level.

CONCLUSION

By modulating integrin expression, trace elements can improve the efficiency of a biological dressing made of keratinocytes in a fibrin glue matrix and, thus, it appears beneficial to add them to this biological dressing for the treatment of skin defects.

Cytomegalovirus: its potential role in the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

To investigate the potential role of CMV in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), we studied cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence in parapsoriasis (PP), mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) compared with healthy control patients. In cases where CMV seropositivity was observed, CMV PCR analyses were performed on skin biopsies. CMV seroprevalence was 37.1% in the control group, 50.68% in the PP + MF + SS group (P = 0.08), 56.2% in the MF + SS group (P = 0.07), 40% in the PP group (P = 0.9), 66.67% in the MF group (P = 0.009), 42.86% in the SS group (P = 0.9). CMV PCR in initial skin biopsies were all negative. However, PCR CMV was positive in two SS skin biopsies realized at an advanced stage. Our results show that latent CMV infection may play a role in the susceptibility of MF in predisposed subjects by inducing T-cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Concerning SS, an immunosuppressive state may be responsible for CMV reactivation that in turn may interfere with evolution of the disease.

[Orofacial manifestations of systemic sclerosis: a study of 30 consecutive patients]

INTRODUCTION

The face is frequently involved in systemic sclerosis. The main stomatologic manifestations include limited mouth opening, xerostomia, skin atrophy, trigeminal neuralgia. The objective of this study was to describe oral and facial manifestations observed in scleroderma patients from our cohort.

METHODS

Between March and October 2006, a stomatologic consultation was included in the follow-up of scleroderma patients seen during consultation or daily hospital in internal medicine or dermatology units. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected. Stomatologic examination comprised measure of the mouth opening, sugar's and Schirmer's tests, orthopantomogram analysis, and evaluation of the repercussion of symptoms on quality of life using a visual analogical scale (VAS between 0 and 10).

RESULTS

This study included 30 patients (women 87%, mean age 58.6+/-13.6 years). Mean duration of systemic sclerosis (n=20 limited cutaneous form, n=10 diffuse form) was eight years. Stomatologic manifestations were: skin atrophy (n=28), peribuccal rhagades (n=25), telangiectasia (n=21), decreased mouth opening (n=20), xerostomia (n=20), xerophtalmia (n=16), periodontal ligament space widening (n=10), bone resorptions (n=2), trigeminal neuralgia (n=1). Xerostomia was considered more discomforting (mean VAS=3.8) than decreased mouth opening (mean VAS=2.6). Xerostomia was the second more discomforting sign of scleroderma and was significantly associated to the limited cutaneous form (p=0.045) and to anticentromeres antibodies expression (p=0.002). Decreased mouth opening was correlated to oesophageal involvement (p=0.025).

CONCLUSION

Oral and facial manifestations are frequently observed in scleroderma patients. These manifestations lead to major functional discomfort, mainly due to decreased mouth opening that seems to be frequently associated to oesophageal involvement. Xerostomia is also frequent and is commonly observed in anticentromere antibodies positive cutaneous limited forms of systemic sclerosis. Evolution of radiographic abnormalities like periodontal ligament space widening (33% of cases), or osteolytic lesions (7%) is poorly known.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) as an alternative treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

8096

Background: Therapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) at early stages consists of various modalities. The advanced or transformed stage of CTCL is treated by the CHOP regimen as standard chemotherapy; has a 40% response rate and relapses within 6 months in > 60% of pts. Methods: A prospective open multicentre Phase II study to evaluate the use of PLD as a CTCL therapeutic agent, with 25 pts, (59±12 years). Eligibility criteria: Pts with histologic proof of CTCL stage II to IV, unresponsive to at least 2 lines of therapy; transformed CTCL or non epidermotropic lymphoma CD30 + or CD30. PLD was administered i.v., 40 mg/m2 every 4 wks for 8 cycles. Objective of study was overall response rate (ORR); secondary objectives were safety, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Phase II study of 14pts with CTCL stage IIb/III, and 11pts with transformed CTCL, at baseline. Treatment duration was 8 cycles in 13 pts, 2–6 cycles in 10pts, and 2 pts were withdrawn during cycle 1 due to anaphylactic-like reactions. Among 23 treated pts, 5pts (22%) achieved a complete response (CR), 9pts (39%) a partial response (PR), with 61% ORR. DFS was 18 ± 4.5 mos; longest treatment duration was 24 mos. Median OS was 28 ± 3 mos. In general, PLD treatment was well tolerated. The main adverse events were grade 3 neutropenia (4%); grade 3 septicemia (8%) and 1 case of bilateral grade 3 pneumopathy. There were only 3 cases of grade 1 palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia. Conclusions: This is the first prospective multicentric study investigating activity and tolerance of 40 mg/m2 q28days of PLD in CTCL. The current study confirmed effectiveness of PLD(∼61%) in CTCL treatment, but did not show improved efficacy with dose increases (Wollina, Cancer, 2003). This data combined with Wollina’s data, support the use of PLD as a promising therapy in advanced stages of CTCL. The duration of response is superior to that achieved with CHOP. This has been confirmed in a small, trial, and needs to be confirmed in a larger trial.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Corrélation clinique et psychologique dans l’acné : utilisation des grilles ECLA et CADI

BACKGROUND

The psychological consequences of acne are frequently unrelated to the severity of the actual lesions. Thus, a number of scales have been designed and validated to allow quantitation of the severity of acne, such as the ECLA scale (Echelle de Cotation des Lésions d'Acné or Acne Lesion Score Scale) while others are designed to evaluate quality of life, such as the CADI (Cardiff Acne Disability Index) questionnaire recently validated in the French language. The purpose of this study was to use both of these scales in individual applications in order to determine whether or not any correlation exists between the two specific tools and to determine the two groups of patients affected by acne.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight acne patients (21+/-6.8 years) seen by seven dermatologists were included in this study. The severity of their acne was evaluated using the ECLA scale; the seven participating dermatologists were trained in the use of this scoring system. In addition, patients completed the CADI quality-of-life questionnaire after their consultation. Each factor on the ECLA was compared with each item in the CADI questionnaire by means of analysis of variance.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between overall scores on the ECLA and CADI scales (r(2)=0.0242). However, a positive correlation was observed between overall CADI score and factors F1 and F3 in the ECLA scale (p=0.0085 and p=0.0373 respectively). In contrast, the global score on the ECLA scale was significantly correlated with item 5 of the CADI questionnaire, namely patients' perception of their acne (p=0.0035).

CONCLUSION

Acne, even in mild forms, has a detrimental psychological effect on patients. The ECLA score coupled with the CADI assessment system appear to be two useful and complementary scores for use in complete acne patient management.

ECCA Grading Scale: An Original Validated Acne Scar Grading Scale for Clinical Practice in Dermatology

INTRODUCTION

The ECCA grading scale (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné) is a tool designed to help dermatologists to assess the severity of acne scars and to standardize the discussions about the treatments of scars.

METHODS

We developed an acne scar clinical grading scale called ECCA, which consists of 6 items designed to assess easily and quickly the severity of acne scars by a global score. The interobserver reliability of the ECCA grading was statistically validated.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis showed the interinvestigator reliability of the ECCA grading scale among 7 dermatologists who used it on the same group of 10 acne patients.

CONCLUSION

ECCA is a new tool which will now be available for dermatologists to use in their everyday practice and for clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of treatments on acne scars.

Toll-like receptors 2, 4 and 9 expression in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome)

The aim of this work was to study Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4 and 9 expression patterns in parapsoriasis and in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL): Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) at different stages of the illness. The expression of TLRs was examined by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded biopsies. Normal skin, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, were used as controls. In cutaneous lesions of inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) the expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 was low compared to normal skin. In parapsoriasis the expression of the three TLRs was similar to control. By contrast, in MF skin we observed a strong intensity of labelling with the three TLRs in the epidermis. Concerning SS, the expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 was intermediate between inflammatory lesions and MF. Thus, the development of skin lesions in MF appears associated with an increase of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 expression by keratinocytes in cutaneous lesions, which could play a role in the chronic activation of T lymphocytes in the skin.