Westmead Dermatology
Striving towards disease-free skin
Written by Dr Shelley Hwang (Westmead Dermatology Research Associate) One of the research projects that we are currently conducting in Westmead Research Dermatology includes a cohort study on the topic anti-PD1. Anti-PD1 is an immunotherapy that is currently under clinical trials for metastatic oncology patients. This is often used in metastatic melanoma patients when the …
Our high risk melanoma clinic has recruited 21 patients till date. We are looking forward to recruit more in the future. Any person with a history of 2 or more melanomas, 1 melanoma and positive family history or dysplastic nevus syndrome is welcome to participate in the trial. Our experience so far has been very …
One of the main challenges in obtaining significant results in proteomic studies is the issue of specificity and purity of the sample under investigation. Especially in heterogeneous tissues this can limit the application of proteomic methodologies. However, recently there have been new techniques such as Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) developed which, at some extent, have …
Skin cancers are so prevalent in Australia and we should educate ourselves (and those around us) on some simple detection and prevention techniques. Last week, Prof Pablo Fernandez-Penas was invited on “Today” to discuss methods for early detection and avoiding skin cancer. A baseline skin check should be conducted with a dermatologist first. Subsequent self-examination …
The impact of skin conditions in the quality of life of dermatology patients is usually unappreciated by many physicians, and it is one of our areas of interest. We have several projects evaluating different instruments and assessments. At the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia a group of very keen medical students are working with our …
Aside from melanoma, we are also involved with research into non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) prevention and management. NMSC are the most common type of cancers in Australia and while most are not life threatening, it is an important condition which accounts for a high rate of hospitalisations in Australia each year. As part of our …
Since 2010, the Advanced Melanoma Clinic in our department has been receiving referrals from the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre. We review patients on melanoma trials using single BRAF, MEK inhibitors or the combination of both drugs. Patients are followed up throughout their treatment. The assessments included: full skin examination, dermoscopy and full body photography. …
We have a new paper on the cutaneous adverse events of BRAF inhibitor based therapies in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. It is fantastic that patients are surviving more than 1 year with these therapies, but dermatologists and oncologists should be aware that side effects from these medications are still present and need to be …
Australia has the highest melanoma incidence in the world with certain subpopulations known to be at extreme risk. Early detection of primary melanoma of the skin is critical in reducing associated mortality. In the department of Dermatology Westmead Hospital we have recently started a study in collaboration with RPA Hospital and the Melanoma Institute of …
