Background: Knowledge of the psychosocial impact of facial skin surgery on patients can help improve counselling strategies.Objectives: The objective was to measure the psychological impact... Show moreBackground: Knowledge of the psychosocial impact of facial skin surgery on patients can help improve counselling strategies.Objectives: The objective was to measure the psychological impact of facial skin cancer surgery on patients over a 1-year period. Secondary objective was to meas-ure the difference between Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and conventional excision (CE) on these parameters.Methods: This observational survey study was conducted between March 2019 and July 2020. Patients who had facial skin surgery using MMS or CE were selected. Five surveys were conducted on four timepoints (preoperative, 1 week, 3 months and 1 year post-operative) measuring the quality of life, perceived stigmatization, body image, satisfaction with facial appearance and psychosocial distress.Results: A total of 228 patients (MMS 154 patients, CE 74 patients) were included for the analysis. Scores for quality of life did not significantly change, in the year after surgery (PCS-12 mean 50.5, SD 9.3 and MCS-12 50.6, SD 9.4); however, stigmatiza-tion (F (3, 235,39) 7,26, p < 0.01, d = −0.07), body image concerns (F (3, 198,28) = 3.75, p < 0.01, d = −0.14), satisfaction with facial appearance (F (3, 205,18) = 10.74, p < 0.01, d = 0.43) and psychosocial distress (F (3, 208,69) = 9.26, p < 0.01, d = −0.15) did change over time. The use of MMS or CE did not significantly affect outcome scores after 1 year.Conclusion: Patients receiving facial skin cancer surgery exhibited low scores for perceived stigmatization and body image concerns. Their quality of life was not statistically inf luenced by facial surgery, and their satisfaction with their facial appearance and psychosocial distress even improved after 1 year. The results suggest that the surgical treatment type (MMS or CE) does not inf luence the outcome. The overall results can help in counselling strategies to improve expectations for patients receiving facial surgery. Show less
Musters, A.H.; Lookeren, F.L. van; Gang, L.F. van der; Middelkamp-Hup, M.A.; Bosma, A.L.; Jessurun, N.T.; ... ; Spuls, P.I. 2023
Background: Evidence on the (long-term) safety of systemic immunomodulating therapies in atopic dermatitis (AD) generated by real-world data is sparse.Objectives: To describe real-world reported... Show moreBackground: Evidence on the (long-term) safety of systemic immunomodulating therapies in atopic dermatitis (AD) generated by real-world data is sparse.Objectives: To describe real-world reported adverse drug reactions (AEs) related to systemic immunomodulating therapy in patients with AD and to compare the incidence rates of AEs with the Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs).Methods: We conducted an observational prospective multi-centre cohort study, using the TREAT NL registry. All severe AEs, AEs of special interest and serious AEs in adult and paediatric patients on systemic immunomodulating treatment (ciclosporin, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, dupilumab, tralokinumab, baricitinib and upadacitinib) were assessed. Incidences rates of all (potentially) drug-related AEs were standardized in patient years and compared to the cumulative incidences in the associated SmPCs.Results: We collected 422 patient years of safety data from 266 patients, of whom 129 (48.5%) reported a total of 224 (potentially) drug-related AEs. Compared to dupilumab's SmPC, higher incidence rates were found for four AEs (reported >= 5 times): eosinophilia, blepharitis, dry eyes and head and neck erythema (i.e. dupilumab facial redness). A higher incidence rate of fatigue was found in patients on oral methotrexate in our cohort compared to the SmPC. Two new drug-related AEs (reported >= 5 times) were found in patients on dupilumab, including non-infectious conjunctivitis and meibomian gland dysfunction.Conclusions: Real-world reported AEs captured in AD patient registries can add information on the estimated incidence of AEs and benefit clinical decision aids. Future studies using data derived from the TREAT NL registry combined with data from other registries within the TREAT Registry Taskforce will provide more information on (rare) AEs associated with immunomodulating therapy in AD patients. Show less
Background Consensus about the definition and classification of 'plaque' in mycosis fungoides is lacking. ObjectivesTo delineate a comprehensive view on how the 'plaque' entity is defined and... Show moreBackground Consensus about the definition and classification of 'plaque' in mycosis fungoides is lacking. ObjectivesTo delineate a comprehensive view on how the 'plaque' entity is defined and managed in clinical practice; to evaluate whether the current positioning of plaques in the TNMB classification is adequate. MethodsA 12-item survey was circulated within a selected panel of 22 experts (pathologists, dermatologists, haematologists and oncologists), members of the EORTC and International Society for Cutaneous Lymphoma. The questionnaire discussed clinical and histopathological definitions of plaques and its relationship with staging and treatment. Results Total consensus and very high agreement rates were reached in 33.3% of questions, as all panellists regularly check for the presence of plaques, agree to evaluate the presence of plaques as a potential separate T class, and concur on the important distinction between plaque and patch for the management of early-stage MF. High agreement was reached in 41.7% of questions, since more than 50% of the responders use Olsen's definition of plaque, recommend the distinction between thin/thick plaques, and agree on performing a biopsy on the most infiltrated/indurated lesion. High divergence rates (25%) were reported regarding the possibility of a clinically based distinction between thin and thick plaques and the role of histopathology to plaque definition. ConclusionsThe definition of 'plaque' is commonly perceived as a clinical entity and its integration with histopathological features is generally reserved to specific cases. To date, no consensus is achieved as for the exact definition of thin and thick plaques and current positioning of plaques within the TNMB system is considered clinically inadequate. Prospective studies evaluating the role of histopathological parameters and other biomarkers, as well as promising diagnostic tools, such as US/RM imaging and high-throughput blood sequencing, are much needed to fully integrate current clinical definitions with more objective parameters. Show less
Background: With the current trend in healthcare moving towards a more value-based approach, it is essential to understand what value encompasses. Objectives: To develop an actionable value-based... Show moreBackground: With the current trend in healthcare moving towards a more value-based approach, it is essential to understand what value encompasses. Objectives: To develop an actionable value-based outcome set (VOS) for daily practice. Methods: A mixed method approach was used consisting of four phases. Formerly, a systematic review was conducted, providing an overview of all patient-relevant outcomes defined in current literature. These 23 outcomes were then presented to a group of patients, using a modified nominal group technique (NGT), to establish whether these results represented all of their relevant outcomes. Subsequently, these outcomes were ranked according to importance by patients attending our academic specialized psoriasis clinic. A review of the literature was performed to assess which instruments were available and suitable to evaluate the outcomes in this VOS. Finally, a pilot feasibility test was performed amongst patients. Results: Of the 23 outcomes, two were omitted from the ranking exercise after the NGT. In the ranking exercise, 120 patients participated. The median age was 50.0 (IQR 25.0) years and 36.7% were female. Median PASI score was 2.4 (IQR 5.2), and treatments varied from topicals to biologicals. The outcomes scored as most important were symptom control, treatment efficacy, confidence in care and control of disease. The least important outcomes were comorbidity control, productivity and cost of care. A significant difference was shown between the ranking of the outcomes (p < 0.001). In total, 12 instruments were selected, which are reported by both patient and provider, to measure the outcomes in this VOS. Median completion time for the patient part was 30 min (IQR 2.8). Conclusions: This VOS is a first proposal to evaluate psoriasis care in a value-based manner. Measuring these outcomes can enable us to critically appraise and improve current care processes, within the reality of available resources, thereby increasing value for patients. Show less
Huisman, B.W.; Nené, L.E.H.; Linders, F.L.L.; Gambrah, T.K.; Kolk, T.N. van der; Kam, M.L. de; ... ; Rissmann, R. 2022
Background The standard treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is surgical excision. Failure to radically remove a cSCC is a risk for recurrence, progression and metastasis.... Show moreBackground The standard treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is surgical excision. Failure to radically remove a cSCC is a risk for recurrence, progression and metastasis. Objectives This study investigates several risk factors for incomplete excision of cSCC. Methods All consecutive patients in a single institution treated with wide local excision for primary cSCC over a 10-year period were included in this study. Risk factors such as: gender, age, immunosuppression, tumour size, location, differentiation grade, tumour depth, perineural and lymphovascular invasion (PNI and LVI) were extracted from the database. Univariable and (if applicable) multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors (P < 0.05). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used for multiple tumours within the same patients. Results A total of 566 patients with 1159 cSCC were identified. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that depth beyond the dermis (OR: 5.7 95% CI: 3.1-10.5) was the only risk factor for incomplete excision of cSCC. Immunosuppression was only a risk factor in the deep plane (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.6). Conclusion Tumour depth beyond the dermis is the most important risk factor for incomplete excision of cSCC. Immunosuppression is a risk factor in the deep plane but its relevance is uncertain. Immunosuppression is not consistently included in the current cSCC staging systems, but care should be taken when treating these patients. Show less
Jong, E. de; Lammerts, M.U.P.A.; Genders, R.E.; Bavinck, J.N.B. 2022
The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rapidly increasing. A growing part of this patient group is formed by immunocompromised patients, for example organ-transplant... Show moreThe incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rapidly increasing. A growing part of this patient group is formed by immunocompromised patients, for example organ-transplant recipients (OTR). Although over 90% of the cSCC show a relatively harmless clinical behaviour, there is also a chance of developing advanced cSCC and metastases. Locally advanced cSCC are defined as cSCC that have locally advanced progression and are no longer amenable to surgery or radiation therapy. Better understanding of the clinical behaviour of cSCC is essential to discriminate between low- and high-risk cSCC. Staging systems are important and have recently been improved. Genetic characterisation of SCC will likely become an important tool to help distinguish low and high-risk cSCC with an increased potential to metastasise in the near future. Available treatments for high-risk and advanced cSCC include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy with epidermal growth factor receptors inhibitors. Anti-PD-1 antibodies show promising results with response rates of up to 50% in both locally advanced and metastatic cSCC but, in its present form, is not suitable for OTR. Show less
Pagan, L.; Yfanti, C.; Rijneveld, R.; Todd, M.; Jongste, P.; Feijen, J.J.; ... ; Rissmann, R. 2021
Background Common and plantar warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Mode of transmission of wart HPVs within families is largely unknown. Objective To demonstrate similarity of HPV type... Show moreBackground Common and plantar warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Mode of transmission of wart HPVs within families is largely unknown. Objective To demonstrate similarity of HPV type(s) among wart cases, family members and household linen. Methods In a cross-sectional study, swabs taken from 123 warts and foreheads of 62 index patients and 157 family members and from 58 kitchen towels and 59 bathroom mats were tested for DNA of 23 cutaneous wart-associated HPV types. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the chance of detecting the same HPV type as was found in the index patients on the family contacts and on the kitchen towels and bathroom mats. Results HPV1, HPV2, HPV27 and HPV57 were the most prevalent types in the warts of the index patients. Altogether, 60 (42.3%) of the 142 family members without warts had HPV DNA on their foreheads. When HPV1 and HPV2 were found in the warts, these types were also frequently (>50%) found on the foreheads of index patients and their family members, as well as on the kitchen towels and the bathroom mats. HPV27 and HPV57 were less frequently found (<25%) on foreheads and linen. No associations were found for age, sex and site of HPV DNA presence. Conclusion Dissemination of skin wart-causing HPV types, from wart cases to household contacts and linen, such as kitchen towels and bathroom mats, is more likely for HPV1 and HPV2 than for HPV27 and HPV57. The role of towels and bathroom mats in HPV transmission deserves further investigation. Show less
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma's (CTCL) are a rare, heterogeneous group of T-cell lymphomas that primarily manifest in the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) are considered the... Show moreCutaneous T-cell Lymphoma's (CTCL) are a rare, heterogeneous group of T-cell lymphomas that primarily manifest in the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) are considered the classic types of CTCL. The diverse manifestation of CTCL results in a wide range of symptoms with a possible mild to severe impact on Quality of Life (QoL) depending on the disease stage. Previous studies on QoL in CTCL patients report diverse patient populations and use many different QoL instruments. In the current literature, a clear overview on the influence of the different stages of disease (early MF, late-stage MF/SS or total group) on the QoL is lacking. Therefore, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they described QoL in patients with MF and SS retrieved by standardized instruments or qualitative interviews. In total, 24 studies were included using 18 different questionnaires to report on dermatology-specific, cancer-specific and generic QoL. The effect on QoL was found to be greater in patients with late-stage disease as compared to early stage disease, with significant impairments on functional, emotional and physical domains. Nonetheless, even in patients with limited disease, QoL was mildly to moderately affected. Overall, pruritus was the most frequent reported and most bothersome symptom. Significant influence of the disease on daily life activities were found, not only in patients but also on caregivers and family. This broad, structured overview on QoL in MF and SS patients underlines the influence of disease stage on QoL, and therefore, recommends future studies to distinguish between disease stages when reporting results. Furthermore, this overview can inform clinicians in clinical practice by creating awareness of QoL deficits according to disease stage. Show less
Pereira, M.P.; Ziehfreund, S.; Rueth, M.; Ewering, T.; Legat, F.J.; Lambert, J.; ... ; Zink, A. 2021
Background Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTL NOS) is an aggressive, but poorly characterized neoplasm.Objectives The European Organization for Research and... Show moreBackground Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTL NOS) is an aggressive, but poorly characterized neoplasm.Objectives The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer cutaneous lymphoma taskforce (EORTC CLTF) investigated 33 biopsies of 30 patients with primary cutaneous PTL NOS to analyse their clinical, histological, immunophenotypic features and outcome.Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data and histopathological features by an expert panel.Results Cutaneous PTL NOS manifested clinically either with solitary or disseminated rapidly grown ulcerated tumours or disseminated papulo-nodular lesions. Histologically, a mostly diffuse or nodular infiltrate in the dermis and often extending into the subcutis was found. Epidermotropism was rarely present and only mild and focal. Unusual phenotypes were frequent, e.g. CD3(+)/CD4(-)/CD8(-) and CD3(+)/CD4(+)/CD8(+). Moreover, 18% of the cases exhibited an aberrant expression of the B-cell marker CD20 by the tumour cells. All solitary tumours were located on the limbs and presented a high expression of GATA-3 but this did not correlate with outcome and therefore could not serve as a prognostic factor. The prognosis was shown to be generally poor with 10 of 30 patients (33%) dying of lymphoma within the follow-up of 36 months (mean value; range 3-144). The survival rates were 61% after 3 years (CI, 43-85%) and 54% after 5 years (CI, 36-81%). Small to medium-sized morphology of tumour cells was associated with a better outcome than medium to large or large tumour cells. Age, gender, clinical stage, CD4/CD8 phenotype and GATA-3 expression were not associated with prognosis. Chemotherapy was the most common treatment modality, but surgical excision and/or radiotherapy may represent an appropriate first-line treatment for solitary lesions.Conclusions Cutaneous PTL NOS shows an aggressive course in most patients independent of initial presentation, age and phenotype. Cytomorphology was identified as a prognostic factor. The data indicate a need for more effective treatment modalities in PTL NOS. Show less