Top 5 Most-Read Dermatology Content of 2022

Therapeutic advancements in the treatment of vitiligo, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), were among the top 5 most-read dermatology articles published on AJMC.com.

Here are the top 5 most-read dermatology articles of 2022.

5. Spironolactone Not Associated With Heightened Cancer Risk, Says New Research

Data from multiple studies appear to suggest spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic linked with greater risk of certain cancers, is not associated with an increased risk of cancer and in certain cases may actually lower the risk. Findings from 7 studies of over 4 million patients on the use of spironolactone showed there was no statistically significant association between the medication and risk of breast cancer, with a reduced risk of prostate cancer also observed, particularly among patients with heart failure and hypertension. Spironolactone is approved for conditions like heart failure and hypertension and used off label for conditions like acne and androgenetic alopecia.

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4. Dose Reduction May Lower Hair Loss Frequency, Allow for Longer Use of Isotretinoin for Acne

Hair loss is a documented adverse effect (AE) of isotretinoin for patients taking the treatment for acne, and data showed that this symptom occurs in 3.2% of patients receiving less than 0.5 mg/kg/day of the drug and 5.7% of patients receiving 0.5 mg/kg/day or more. Although frequency of hair loss is comparable to the frequency of other AEs, such as dry eyes, researchers suggested providers discuss the AE with patients prior to initiating isotretinoin and monitor the AE during treatment.

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3. Secukinumab Shows Rapid, Sustained Improvement of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Findings of 2 pivotal phase 3 studies (SUNSHINE and SUNRISE) presented at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress showed that secukinumab (Cosentyx; Novartis) was associated with significantly rapid and sustained improvement in HS signs and symptoms. Secukinumab was noted to be well tolerated and consistent with the known safety profile in other approved indications. Novartis’ press release said the presented data will be submitted to the FDA this year for approval in the treatment of HS.

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2. Intense Pulse Light May Be Effective, Well Tolerated for Mild to Moderate Acne

A comparative analysis between intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% gel for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris showed no significant differences between the 2 treatment methods. BPO decomposes to release oxygen free radicals, which has a bactericidal effect on sebaceous follicles and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, researchers explained, whereas IPL has the ability to decrease the risk of bacterial resistance, with faster onset of action. Findings suggest that IPL, which has 3 mechanisms of action—photochemical, photoimmunological, and photothermal—is effective and well tolerated among patients, similar to BPO.

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1. FDA Approves Ruxolitinib Cream as First Repigmentation Therapy for Vitiligo

The approval of ruxolitinib (Opzelura) cream 1.5% twice daily in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older marked the first and only FDA-approved treatment for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo. Based on findings of the pivotal phase 3 TRuE-V clinical trial program (TRuE-V1 [NCT04052425] and TRuE-V2 [NCT04057573]), ruxolitinib achieved the primary and secondary end points vs vehicle twice daily at 24 weeks and after longer-term analysis at 52 weeks. Patients who were switched from vehicle twice daily to ruxolitinib cream twice daily for the 28-week treatment extension were also shown to exhibit efficacy data consistent with week 24 data in patients who were randomized to the intervention group from baseline.

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