By Allison Sit
New research from NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center discovered that stopping the escape of immune cells from tumors could enhance skin cancer treatment. The study in mice and human cells found that combining a chemical blocker of immune cell exit with an immunotherapy drug stopped melanoma tumor enlargement in more than half of mice tested. Researchers say the study shows that the lymphatic system likely recirculates T cells out of tumors, and that for some patients, blocking the exit signals is needed to keep T cells inside of tumors so immunotherapy can work. The research is published in the journal Nature Immunology.
“Our study confirms for the first time how CD8 T cells are escaping melanoma tumors through chemokine signaling to their nearby lymphatic vessels, leaving tumors less susceptible to anticancer immunotherapy,” said study lead investigator Maria Steele, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Perlmutter Cancer Center.
A new AI tool provides a comprehensive skin analysis in seconds. The Cetaphil AI Skin Analysis compares user photos with a database of 70,000 diverse skin images. The tool creates a personalized report that addresses skin type, skin concerns and proneness to skin conditions. Developers say consumers can use the results to make more informed skincare decisions. Dermatologist Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, conducted validation testing and determined the Cetaphil AI Skin Analysis has a 95% test-retest reliability rate.
“AI skin tech can be a fantastic tool and useful first step in gaining an understanding of one’s personal skincare needs,” Dr. Feldman said. “Bringing digital skin analysis results to a dermatologist appointment allows patients to have a more meaningful visit and productive conversation.”
Maryam M. Asgari, MD, MPH, was named chair of the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Dermatology. Dr. Asgari is a professor of dermatology and population medicine at Harvard Medical School specializing in patient-oriented research in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Asgari has served on the Board of Directors for the Society for Investigative Dermatology, and as an associate editor for the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and the British Journal of Dermatology. She was recently inducted into the American Dermatologic Association and elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
“Dr. Asgari is a highly skilled surgeon with exceptional academic credentials,” said Dean John J. Reilly, Jr., MD. “I am confident that she will build strong working relationships with her colleagues and continue to make significant scientific contributions that improve the health of our community.”
The appointment is effective May 1. Dr. Asgari will succeed David Norris, MD, who has served as department chair since 2001.
