Darrell S. Rigel, MD, MS started this multi-part discussion highlighting significant advancements in dermatologic oncology. Key updates include the efficacy of tirbanibulin 1% for treating actinic keratosis (AK) over larger treatment fields, supporting its expanded FDA approval. In invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), watchful waiting was found reasonable for clinically resolved low-risk lesions, although immunocompromised patients face higher recurrence risks. For basal cell carcinoma (BCC), consensus guidelines favor hedgehog inhibitors for advanced cases, with strategies to mitigate side effects enhancing compliance. Advances in gene expression profiling (GEP) aid risk stratification and treatment decisions for melanoma and SCC, improving outcomes with early detection and targeted interventions. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapies, including nivolumab and ipilimumab, show promise in stage III melanoma, emphasizing personalized care in skin cancer management.

Brian Berman, MD, PhD followed with a review of key advancements in actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatments, along with innovative technologies in dermatology. Highlights included FDA approval for expanded use of tirbanibulin 1% for larger AK treatment areas and its correlation with high patient satisfaction. Intralesional therapies like STP705 siRNA and AIV001 showed promise in achieving high histological clearance rates for BCC with minimal adverse effects. Additionally, augmented reality-guided facial injections and surgeries emerged as cutting-edge technologies, offering enhanced safety by visualizing anatomical structures in real-time. These developments underscore significant strides in dermatologic treatments and procedural safety.

David Cohen, MD, MPH, concluded Part 1 with an insightful discussion on the latest data regarding contact dermatitis. He highlighted the significant overlap between the pathways of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and those driving atopic dermatitis (AD). These shared mechanisms involve a diverse range of helper T-cell pathways, including Th2, Th17, and Th22, as well as various interleukins. Given this overlap, he noted that dupilumab, a treatment for AD, has been shown to alter clinical outcomes and impact patch test reliability. This can complicate the interpretation of patch test results, as dupilumab has been associated with an increased false-negative rate.