Dermatologic Oncology Research Articles

Authors in Dermatologic Surgery

Authors of scientific papers have been evaluated in the past by how frequently the medical literature cites them. In this analysis, we specifically identify those individuals who have contributed to the field of cutaneous surgery through publications in Dermatologic Surgery. We further analyze those publications frequently cited in Dermatologic Surgery, allowing us to determine topics of utmost value and interest. Using a citation database provided by the Institute for Scientific Information, we first identify all publications and citations from 1981 to 1999 for Dermatologic Surgery and the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology (the previous name for this journal). Of the original articles published during this time frame, 3099 authors published 2167 papers. We quantify the publications from each author, and identify 57 authors with at least 10 original articles. When expanding the database parameters to include original articles, reviews, notes, and proceedings (as defined by the Science Citation Index), we find that the eight authors with the greatest number of publications are the same individuals with the greatest number of original articles. This reflects significant contributions to the field of cutaneous surgery by these authors. This analysis further identifies source papers for authors in Dermatologic Surgery. Publications frequently cited include those papers discussing laser surgery, with Dermatologic Surgery serving as the most frequently cited journal.

Microdissection. Use in molecular oncologic dermatology

Microdissection allows the procurement of selective cell populations or single cells of archival sections or frossen tissue. Most cutaneous tumors can not be cultivated or consist of heterogeneous cell populations. Thus, microdissection is an important pre-requisite for molecular genetic analyses of cutaneous neoplasms. This review describes the microdissection and its application in dermatologic oncology is demonstrated.

Therapy studies in dermatologic oncology. Recommendations for patient education

Guidelines of good clinical practice regulate controlled clinical studies. Goal of the study, type of treatment and possible side effects have to be explained. The physician faces problems, if the study includes a "no treatment group". Referring to the literature and based on our own experience with tumor patients, several criteria are proposed to optimize the recruitment of patients. Important points are: Explanations should be given by an experienced doctor. He must be informed about the study and therapeutic alternative treatments. The atmosphere for the talk must be quiet. The participation of a person whom the patient trusts is desirable. The necessity of the study must be explained. Randomization in different study groups should be discussed without any preference. Prognosis should be explained without any detailed statistical data. Form of treatment, possible side effects and control examinations have to be discussed. The family physician's cooperation should be stressed. Personal autonomy in the patient's decision to participate in the study must be emphasized. Enough time for reflection must be granted before the final decision. It must be assured that the patient receives the same medical attention even after rejecting the study. These recommendations might help to avoid major mistakes which are harmful for the doctor-patient-relationship and further tumor therapy. A good initial discussion forms the basis for effective cooperation during tumor treatment. It may counteract the personal fear and negative reports in media of being "a guinea pig". The patient will appreciate the efforts of the doctor to provide optimal therapy. Furthermore, he will realize that such studies are necessary to improve future therapies.

Indications for radiotherapie in dermatologic oncology

Indications for radiotherapie in dermatologic oncology

Scalp Lifting vs. Scalp Reduction

I would like to briefly compare scalp lifting with traditional scalp reduction; a more detailed review has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology. It is widely accepted that single hair grafting and micrografting represent the ‘state-of-the-art’

Biopsy of Malignant Melanoma

To the Editor. — I would like to comment on the answer to the question concerning the possible lymphatic or venous spread of malignant melanoma induced by hydrostatic pressure following injection of local anesthetic. Dr Adriani stated that he knew of no statistical data that could answer the question and suggested general anesthesia or nerve block to avoid this theoretical possibility. Epstein, Bragg, and Linden (208: 1369, 1969) authored a paper in which a personal series of 12 malignant melanomas and a retrospective study from the California Tumor Registry of malignant melanomas were reviewed. The conclusion was that there was no evidence to indicate that incomplete removal of malignant melanoma followed by definitive surgery, even one week later, decreases the probability of survival. Survival rates were not influenced by even incisional biopsies of malignant melanomas. A review in The Journal of Dermatological Surgery and Oncology 1 relates to biopsy of malignant