“Dermatologists don’t save lives.”
This was a recent comment made by a non-dermatologist about our field. I beg to differ.
As an academic dermatologist, I specialize in the treatment of difficult skin cancers, esp when they cannot be treated by straightforward surgeries. 1/
This was a recent comment made by a non-dermatologist about our field. I beg to differ.
As an academic dermatologist, I specialize in the treatment of difficult skin cancers, esp when they cannot be treated by straightforward surgeries. 1/
This pt had undergone a kidney transplant for polycystic kidney disease and was on anti-rejection immunosuppressive meds. He then developed a deep 3.1 mm melanoma on his scalp (+BRAF mutation), underwent excision and complete lymph node neck dissection after a positive SLN. 2/
He could not tolerate an oral BRAF inhibitor due to severe hand-foot skin reaction. 3/
7 months later, he developed multiple in-transit metastases all over his scalp and left cheek. Tumor board discussion led to consensus of avoiding anti-PD1 immunotherapy due to high risk of organ rejection. 4/
I treated this patient with TVEC (talimogene laherparepvec) injections every 2 weeks throughout all the metastases. TVEC is a
novel FDA-approved intralesional immunotherapy that combines HSV virus with GM-CSF for treatment of melanoma metastases. 5/
novel FDA-approved intralesional immunotherapy that combines HSV virus with GM-CSF for treatment of melanoma metastases. 5/
After initial inadequate response, we added topical imiquimod cream for additional immunotherapy effect. Within 16 weeks, the patient was CLEAR of disease! 6/
His transplanted kidney remained healthy and there were no major side effects. Even 1 year later, he is *free of disease.* 7/
#dermtwitter #medtwitter #melanoma #Immunotherapy #tvec
#dermtwitter #medtwitter #melanoma #Immunotherapy #tvec
This patient holds a very special place in my heart. Not just because he is one of the kindest patients I’ve had, but because I think I helped to save his life. 8/
Dermatology can be one of the most rewarding medical fields to work in. This is just one example of the many things we can do to change people’s lives. THIS is the role dermatologists can play. 9/
#dermssavelives #melanoma
#dermssavelives #melanoma
We successfully published this case in Journal of Immunotherapy. May 2020;43:149-152. 🙌
I love my job.
/fin
#dermatology #dermtwitter #medtwitter #melanoma #Immunotherapy #dermssavelives
I love my job.
/fin
#dermatology #dermtwitter #medtwitter #melanoma #Immunotherapy #dermssavelives
