By Allison Sit
May marks the 20th anniversary of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Launched in 2002 by dermatologist Perry Robins, MD, the JDD is now considered the fastest growing publication in dermatology. The JDD presents peer-reviewed original articles, award-winning case reports, and timely features pertaining to new methods, techniques, and drug therapy in dermatology. An International Editorial Board of more than 160 renowned experts oversees JDD content, which reaches more than 30,000 dermatology healthcare practitioners worldwide. The JDD would like to thank its loyal readership for 20 wonderful years.
A recent survey of dermatopathologists found that while most agree that skin cancer is overdiagnosed, they don’t modify their diagnosis behavior. The survey results, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that about half of dermatopathologists surveyed perceive that non-invasive melanoma is overdiagnosed, and that one-third perceive that invasive melanoma is overdiagnosed. The survey also found those who think invasive melanoma is overdiagnosed were slightly more likely to diagnose invasive melanoma compared to other dermatopathologists examining identical cases.
“Our study shows there is widespread recognition of melanoma overdiagnosis among dermatopathologists. We also show that awareness of overdiagnosis may not be enough to reduce overdiagnosis,” said lead author Kathleen Kerr, professor of biostatistics at the UW School of Public Health, in a news release. “Reducing overdiagnosis will need to involve patients and primary care doctors having more restraint with obtaining skin biopsies, and pathologists exercising restraint in diagnosing cases as melanoma.”
Rox Anderson, MD, a pioneer in laser dermatology, was recently inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. Anderson was recognized for developing treatments and procedures that are commonly used to remove birthmarks, scars and other skin lesions. In addition, Dr. Anderson’s work was the foundation for other laser-based solutions to treat acne, remove tattoos and permanently remove hair.
“I love this process of solving clinical problems, letting the problem be the guide, not the technology,” Dr. Anderson told the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Dr. Anderson is currently professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, director of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine and adjunct professor of health sciences and technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition to his work in dermatology, Dr. Anderson has also contributed to treatments for vocal cords, kidney stones, glaucoma, heart disease, photodynamic therapy for cancer and optical diagnostics. He has established charitable medical treatment facilities in several countries, and he contributes his expertise to train local physicians to ensure the clinics are self-sustaining.
