Priscila Giavedoni

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have signifi-cantly improved oncologiconcological outcomes. However, ICIs can elicit immune-mediated adverse effects that may require treatment discontinuation and potentially affect cancer prognosis. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) can be induced by ICIs in up to 1 % of treated patients. Conventional treatments for BP (topical and systemic glucocorticoids as well as other classical immunosuppressants) associate substantial toxicities and may impair antitumour responses. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-4/IL-13 signalling, represents a promising alternative, offering effective disease control with an improved safety profile. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of ICI-induced BP (ICI-BP) in a real-world multicentre case series of 19 patients, an underreported clinical setting. The median time to ICI-BP development from ICI initiation was 390 days (IQR 295). Overall, 18 patients (94.74%) achieved a clinical response, of whom 16 (84.21%) attained complete remission. Disease stabilization was observed in one1 patient. Among 17 patients receiving systemic corticosteroids prior to dupilumab, 14 (82.35%) discontinued them afterwards. Additionally, 11 patients (61.11 %; n=18) were able to continue or reintroduce ICI after dupilumab initiation. Dupilumab was well tolerated, with 18 patients (94.74%) experiencing no significant adverse events and only one case of suspected psoriasiform toxicity.

The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) is increasing worldwide. While NMSCs are more common, melanoma remains the most challenging because of its higher aggressiveness. Although the use of sunscreens is key in high-risk populations, it provides limited protection, which highlights the need for alternative solutions. In this review, we discuss current evidence on chemopreventive therapies, as well as their efficacy and adverse events, including immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Acitretin, nicotinamide, 5-fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy have shown overall promising results in actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, more research is needed to establish their efficacy, particularly in melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous lymphoma, due to their higher mortality rates.

Objectives: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) has a progressive course; quantifying changes at each visit can be complex. High‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) has been used to assess hair follicle morphology and scalp vascularization. The objectives of the study are to evaluate HFUS characteristics of patients with FFA and, secondarily, to study the usefulness of HFUS in assessing disease activity. Methods: Prospective study between January and June 2018. Patients with confirmed FFA were included. A retrospective analysis of HFUS imaging and its correlation with clinical presentation was performed. Results: Fifteen AFF female patients (median age: 65 years) met the study criteria. A total of 75 ultrasound images were analyzed. The atrophic region exhibited significant dermis thinning (0.7 mm; 0.3–1.2 mm range) compared to healthy sites. Frontal hair growth area showed reduced follicle number and miniaturization. HFUS Doppler ultrasound identified subclinical inflammation in 26.6% of patients. Conclusions: HFUS allows the characterization of FFA by quantitatively assessing dermal atrophy and the miniaturization and shrinkage of hair follicles. In addition, it allows the diagnosis of subclinical inflammation.

Objectives: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) exhibit various clinical presentations. Dermoscopy and confocal microscopy only assess the superficial dermis. Magnetic resonance imaging cannot evaluate skin layers comprehensively. High‐frequency Doppler ultrasound (HFUS) can define the extent of melanocytic lesions and suggest patterns of potential complications. The objective of the study is to evaluate HFUS characteristics of patients with CMN and, secondarily, to study the utility of HFUS in evaluating proliferative nodules and enlarged lymph nodes.Methods: A prospective study of patients with multiple and non‐small CMN between January 2016 and June 2021 was conducted. Clinical imaging and HFUS were routinely used to follow up on distinctive areas. A retrospective analysis of HFUS images and correlation with presentation was performed.Results: Seventy‐one patients with CMN, 149 HFUS scans. Median age: 14 years (IQR: 8 months–79 years), 59% female. Large/giant nevi n = 44 (61.9%). CMN affected the epidermis/dermis in 51 (71.8%), hypodermis in 17 (24%), and muscle in 3 (4.2%). Thirteen patients (18.3%) had nodular lesions; 1 showed atypical vessels on HFUS, which was confirmed histologically as an atypical proliferative nodule. Limitations: Heterogeneity of patients and retrospective analysis.Conclusions: HFUS allows the characterization of non‐small CMN by assessing depth and diagnosing complications such as melanomas and enlarged lymph nodes.

Background: There have been multiple studies on the use of Doppler ultrasound to define skin inflammation, but the visible vessels of healthy skin have yet to be described. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the visible vessels of healthy skin using Doppler ultrasound. Methods: Prospective multicenter study using Doppler ultrasound to analyze healthy skin. The color percentage, flow velocity, and maximum vessel diameter were calculated. Results: 943 images from 152 patients were recorded. The most frequently used mode was color Doppler (40.6%), followed by power Doppler (30.4%). Visible vessels were detected in 18.23%; in positive Doppler images, color occupied less than 5%. The malar region exhibited the highest visible vessels. The 22 MHz probe detected smaller vessels with slower flows than the 18 MHz probe. Spectral Doppler showed peak systolic values of less than 10 cm/s and a vessel diameter of less than 1 mm. In most of the participating centers, the operators had less than 10 years of experience in performing skin ultrasound examinations. Sensitivity of the Doppler may vary according to the device. Conclusions: With the used ultrasound equipment, it was uncommon to visualize vessels in healthy skin. When seen, they covered less than 5% of the image with low flow and small size.