Menter Dermatology Research Institute

04/26/2022

Huge congratulations Tiffany on becoming a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator!!!

03/29/2022

Do you know anyone suffering from moderate-to-severe AD??
We are recruiting patients for a new clinical trial in Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). Please see our website via the link below for more details.

https://menterderm.com/eczema-atopic-dermatitis-study-currently-enrolling-2/

Do you know anyone suffering from eczema?? If so, we have a new clinical trial that is actively recruiting patients. Please call 855-554-6374 or use this link to notify us that you would like to be contacted. Clinical Trial Government Identifier NCT05158023. Sponsor: Aslan. Note: Qualified study par...

03/29/2022

We often get asked how patients with psoriasis can affect their condition through non-medicinal means. A common topic in this thread is usually how diet can affect the skin. With this in mind we wrote a blog post to discuss Diet & Psoriasis, which you can access below:
https://menterderm.com/diet-and-psoriasis/

A common question for psoriasis patients often involves what they can do to help with their condition outside of taking medication. One of these topics is commonly diet. Overall, the benefits of a healthy diet cannot be overstated. Ensuring that your diet is complete in allowing you to obtain the re...

02/08/2022

We wanted to take a moment to highlight information shared in one of our prior blog posts following the recent, January 14th, FDA approval of AbbVie’s new oral treatment for atopic dermatitis. This is an oral JAK inhibitor called upadacitinib (Rinvoq). To see the full post please use the link below.
https://menterderm.com/fda-approval-of-new-medication-for-atopic-dermatitis-rinvoq/

We wanted to take a moment to highlight information shared in one of our prior blog posts following the recent, January 14th, FDA approval of AbbVie’s new oral treatment for atopic dermatitis. This is an oral JAK inhibitor called upadacitinib (Rinvoq). As a quick recap of that post: Janus Kinases ...

07/29/2021

In the June edition of NPF Advance, there was an article featured discussing smoking and psoriasis. This was a great read which raised some interesting points. Follow the link to our blog-post about the article (a link to the full article is also provided in the blog, for anyone interested).
https://menterderm.com/smoking-psoriasis/

The June edition of the NPF Advance contained an article discussing smoking and how it can affect psoriasis. They discuss how smoking can both increase your risk of developing psoriasis, as well as worsening the severity of the disease a patient experiences. Beyond this, smoking can also decrease yo...

07/27/2021

August marks the start of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time where we can shine a light on psoriasis, its symptoms, treatments, and support those who experience any of its manifestations.
Read more of this post here: https://menterderm.com/national-psoriasis-action-awareness-month-2021/

August marks the start of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time where we can shine a light on psoriasis, its symptoms, treatments and support those who experience any of its manifestations. Psoriasis affects millions of people across the world. With this in mind, it is important to reflect and....

07/20/2021

Dr. Menter recently spoke with M.D./alert regarding the approval of Cosentyx in the treatment of Plaque Psoriasis for ages 6 and up.
https://menterderm.com/dr-menter-conversations-in-plaque-psoriasis/

Dr. Menter spoke with M.D./alert about the approval of Cosentyx in the treatment of patients age 6 and up for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. He discusses the impact of this approval, particularly in the case of children and adolescents diagnosed with plaque psoriasis. Please follow the link be...

07/07/2021

New Website Launch

Happy July!! We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and were able to enjoy the atmosphere and fireworks.

We are happy to announce the launch of our new website!! The team have all put in a lot of hard work to renew and update everything. Please feel free to stop in and have a look around!!
https://menterderm.com/

At the Forefront of Research Menter Dermatology Research Institute was established to address the ongoing need for new, clinically safe and effective treatments for physically and psychologically debilitating skin diseases. Learn More OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday

06/29/2021

National Psoriasis Foundation COVID-19 Task Force Updated Guidance for Management of Psoriatic Disease, May 2021:

The National Psoriasis Foundation Task Force met to update the guidance for the management of psoriatic disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This task force consists of 18 physicians who review new literature on a weekly basis. The expertise of these physicians range from dermatology to rheumatology, epidemiology, infectious disease and critical care.

The original 22 guidelines statements have been updated with new scientific evidence, and 5 new items have been added. It is important to note that these are not comprehensive guidelines, this is considered a live document, and evidence in some cases is limited in quality or quantity. These guidelines have been divided into 5 categories based on 5 questions (see below). Summaries of guidelines provided under each question:

1) What are the effects of psoriatic disease itself on severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 illness?
Patients with psoriatic disease appear to have similar rates of infection and similar outcomes to the general population. The likelihood of poor outcomes are driven by age and comorbidities such as heart/lung/kidney disease or metabolic disorders (diabetes/obesity).

2) What are the effects of psoriasis or PsA treatment on COVID-19 infection and illness?
Reaffirmed that treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis do not alter the risk of acquiring COVID-19, and do not affect outcomes. Patients not infected with COVID-19 are recommended to continue their biologic or oral therapies in most cases. Chronic systemic corticosteroids should be avoided if possible. Shared decision-making between patients and providers is important.

3) How should medical care be delivered to patients with psoriatic disease to lower their risk of infection with COVID-19 while still ensuring quality of care?
Telemedicine can be appropriate – short interruptions to in-person care is ok. Certain patients should always be seen, including: those where there is concern for melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer, new psoriasis patients, and flaring patients. It is recommended that clinic staff wear masks, social distance, and perform hand hygiene.

4) What should patients with psoriatic disease do to protect themselves from becoming infected with COVID-19?
Patients should follow measures to prevent infection, including: social distancing, wearing a mask to cover the nose and mouth, hand hygiene. An mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is recommended for all unless contraindicated. Influenza vaccine is also recommended. Treatments for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can be continued during the vaccine period.

5) What should patients with psoriatic disease do if they become infected with COVID-19?
Monitor their symptoms and discuss with healthcare providers. Should be prescribed and adhere to evidence-based COVID-19 therapies. Consider a hold of psoriasis medications during an active infection – share decision making with a physician (same for resuming treatments). Patients who become infected should follow CDC guidance on home isolation. Patients in close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine themselves for 14-days after last contact and discuss management of their psoriatic disease with their provider.

*Reference: Gefland et al. National Psoriasis Foundation COVID-19 Task Force guidance for management of psoriatic disease during the pandemic: Version 2 – Advances in psoriatic disease management, COVID-19 vaccines, and COVID-19 treatments. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. May 2021

06/29/2021

Hidradenitis Suppurative Study Currently Enrolling:

Do you know anyone suffering from HS??
If so, we have a new clinical trial that is actively recruiting patients. Please call 855-554-6374 or go to https://menterderm.com/register-for-a-trial/ to notify us that you would like to be contacted.

Clinical Trial Government Identifier NCT04242446
Sponsor: UCB

Note: Qualified study participants will receive study medication, related testing, and compensation for their time and travel.

This study is looking to recruit adult patients (age > 18 years), with moderate-to-severe HS for at least 6 months. At least two different areas of the body must be affected.

06/28/2021

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Study Currently Enrolling:

Do you know anyone suffering from eczema??

If so, we have a new clinical trial that is actively recruiting patients. Please call 855-554-6374 or go to https://menterderm.com/register-for-a-trial/ to notify us that you would like to be contacted.

Clinical Trial Government Identifier NCT03915496
Sponsor: Pfizer

Note: Qualified study participants will receive study medication, related testing, and compensation for their time and travel.

This study is looking to recruit adult patients (age > 18 years), with moderate-to-severe eczema for at least 1 year. The minimum of involved Body Surface Area is 10% (see picture)

06/25/2021

Walk For the Cure 2021:

The National Psoriasis Foundation has several fundraising and awareness spreading efforts throughout the year. A staple of these events is the annual Walk for the Cure. This is a wonderful event where the community can come together for a healthy, enjoyable walk for a great cause.
Houston and Dallas will each host this event this year (2021) and there should be participants present from Heights Dermatology, Texas Dermatology Associates as well as the Menter Dermatology Research Institute. The event will take place on 10/16/2021 in Houston, and soon after in Dallas on 11/13/2021. Please feel free to visit the National Psoriasis Foundation website (https://www.psoriasis.org/events/) here for more information about these wonderful events.
It is also important to note that August also marks National Psoriasis Action Month – please see our post (National Psoriasis Action/Awareness Month 2021 title and link) for more information. The National Psoriasis Foundation is a fantastic organization which has many ways that you can get involved, in fundraising, events and volunteering.

Here is a comprehensive list of all of our upcoming events. If you are looking for events in your area, you can also look in your NPF Region.

06/25/2021

BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome Case Report and Literature Review Summary:

The below case and findings were published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is very rare, and its pattern was only recently classified in 2011. This syndrome is associated with several aggressive cancers, most commonly: uveal melanoma, malignant mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma. It was first observed in families who had a disproportionate co-occurrence of both uveal melanoma and malignant mesothelioma. A common first finding in this syndrome are benign skin tumors called BAP1-Inactivated Melanocytic Tumors or BIMTs. These typically occur in the second decade of life, and are seen in approximately 80% of patients with BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome. BIMT lesions present as a possible marker which should prompt further investigation. On their own, these lesions are considered benign, however, in the context of more than two BIMTs or a prior personal/family history of BAP1-TPDS related cancers prompt genetic testing is indicated.
A patient was seen in dermatology clinic presenting with a benign-appearing spot at her forehead hairline. This was biopsied and found to be a BAP-1 inactivated melanocytic tumor. This on its own is typically a benign finding, however, on further investigating the patient’s family history it was discovered that there was a significant history of eye and skin melanomas. This patient was advised to seek genetic testing, and initiate at least yearly ophthalmologic examination, regular skin checks, and consider screening for mesothelioma/kidney cancers.
Per our review of the literature - genetic evaluation should be encouraged in patients presenting with multiple BIMTs or a new BIMT with a significant family history of BAP1-TPDS related cancers. If positive for a germline BAP1 mutation, cancer surveillance should be recommended for early diagnosis and intervention. Genetic cancer syndromes often have early manifestations that serve as harbingers. BIMTs are a possible harbinger of, the relatively unknown, BAP1-TPDS and should not be ruled out as benign without clear investigation. If found to have a BIMT and then BAP1-TPDS, patients could benefit significantly from cancer surveillance for earlier diagnosis, management, and improved outcomes in BAP1-TPDS related cancers.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2021.1939847

(2021). BAPoma presenting as an incidental scalp papule: case report, literature review, and screening recommendations for BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Ahead of Print.

06/25/2021

Welcome to the Newest Members of the MDRI Team – Krystal & Tiffany

MDRI would like to warmly welcome the two newest members of the MDRI team!! Krystal started with us in December of 2020 as a Clinical Research Assistant, and Tiffany in January of 2021 as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Both of them have brought a wealth of experience and insights into research and dermatology. The whole team is thrilled to have them, and hopes to celebrate many anniversaries with them in the future.

06/25/2021

Congratulations Quinette!! (13-Year Work Anniversary)

MDRI would like to wish Quinette a big congratulations and thank you for her combined 13-year anniversary with TDA & MDRI. Quinette has been a wonderful presence at both TDA and MDRI since 2008. We are fortunate to have her calm, organized presence as both a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and the main contact for Regulatory Affairs. Thank you so much Q!

06/25/2021

Congratulations Xochitl!! (18-Year Work Anniversary)

Congratulations and thank you so much for your amazingly hard work over the last 18-years Xochitl!! This is a tremendous milestone, having spent a combined 18-years at TDA and MDRI. The team and patients have benefitted from your attentiveness! It is amazing to hear Xochitl talk about some of the landmark trials bringing so many of the biologic medications to the market in the fight against dermatologic disease. We wish you all the best, and thank you again for all you continue to do at MDRI.

06/25/2021

Congratulations Cristina!! (25-Year Work Anniversary)

Cristina has been an integral part of TDA and MDRI for a combined quarter of a century!! This is a remarkable achievement! Thank you so much for all your efforts over the last 25-years. MDRI would not be the amazing place it is without your leadership. We are all very fortunate to have you to turn to when any of us have any concerns. You always make time for the team, and we can only say thank you!!

06/25/2021

Congratulations Catherine!! (20-Year Work Anniversary)

Catherine has been involved with research with Dr. Menter from before MDRI for a combined 20-years!! This is an amazing achievement and a testament to the lasting relationship between the team and the providers. We are thankful to have had her close attention focused on Regulatory and Financial Affairs during her time, since 2001. Thank you so much Catherine – we really appreciate you, and thank you for all your efforts.