Medscape featured a December Journal of Drugs in Dermatology study on the link between isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study, “Isotretinoin Does Not Increase the Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A TriNetX Retrospective Cohort Analysis,” was conducted by researchers in New York. The study utilized a large real-world database to evaluate the association between isotretinoin use in acne patients and IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers found use of isotretinoin was not associated with an
increased risk of IBD or ulcerative colitis. In fact, isotretinoin use was associated with a decreased risk of Crohn’s disease. Since patients were followed for up to ten years after exposure to isotretinoin, the researchers conclude that long-term use of isotretinoin does not increase IBD risk in acne patients.
Forbes included a February JDD study in an article about minoxidil for hair loss. The study, “Comparing Adherence, Side Effects, and Satisfaction in Oral and Topical Minoxidil: A Cross- Sectional Study,” was conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University. Researchers looked at the impact of topical vs. oral administration of the drug on patient adherence and satisfaction, as well as any differences in side effects between the two administration types. A
survey of patients on minoxidil found that patients on the oral version of the drug reported a greater ease of treatment and hair styling. In addition, fewer patients on oral minoxidil stopped their treatment due to treatment difficulty; patients on oral minoxidil missed fewer treatment days. Oral minoxidil patients also reported greater satisfaction in hair volume and change of hair. The side effects were similar between the two administration types, although patients on oral minoxidil reported a higher incidence of hypertrichosis. The researchers conclude that the
study shows oral minoxidil reduces the burden of minoxidil treatment and avoids complaints that impact adherence. They encourage dermatology clinicians to consider the patient’s experience when prescribing minoxidil.
ONCOLOGY mentioned an August JDD study in an article on multidisciplinary cancer care. The study, “Perceptions and Knowledge of Dermatologic Side Effects of Anti-Cancer Therapies: A Pilot Survey,” was conducted by researchers from the GWU School of Medicine & Health Sciences and Georgetown University School of Medicine. The researchers conducted surveys of adult attendees of health fairs in medically underserved areas of Washington, D.C. The surveys showed many respondents overestimated the prevalence of skin, hair, and nail side
effects of cancer treatment. The perceived impact of dermatologic side effects was so great that up to one-third of participants, including those who were cancer survivors, reported that they would hypothetically decline anti-cancer therapies due to these side effects. The survey also revealed gaps in oncodermatology care: Half of the cancer survivors surveyed never saw a dermatologist while receiving cancer care. Researchers, including Dr. Adam Friedman who was quoted in the article, recommend enhanced multidisciplinary partnerships to better educate and
support patients, especially when patients are making treatment decisions.
