Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: results of a pilot study based on a novel injective approach

Jet-injection assisted photodynamic therapy for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has efficacy in treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but is limited by incomplete penetration of ALA into the deeper dermis. This prospective open-label pilot trial investigated the safety and efficacy of photosensitizer jet injection for PDT (JI-PDT) for BCC treatment. It was performed with 15 patients (n = 15) with histologically confirmed, untreated, low-risk nodular BCCs at a single institution.

METHODS

For the intervention, JI-PDT patients (n = 11) received two sessions of jet-injected ALA with PDT separated by four to 6 weeks. To further understand treatment technique, another group of patients (n = 4) received jet-injected ALA followed by tumor excision and fluorescence microscopy (JI-E). Treatment tolerability was assessed by local skin responses (LSR) score at five distinct time intervals. Fluorescence microscopy assessed protoporphyrin IX penetration depth and biodistribution within the tumor. At the primary endpoint, tumor clearance was evaluated via visual inspection, dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. Postinjection and postillumination pain levels, and patient satisfaction, were scored on a 0-10 scale.

RESULTS

Fifteen participants with mean age of 58.3, who were 15/15 White, non-Hispanic enrolled. The median composite LSR score immediately after JI-PDT was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 3) which decreased to 0.5 (IQR = 1) at primary endpoint (p < 0.01). Immunofluorescence of excised BCC tumors with jet-injected ALA showed photosensitizer penetration into papillary and reticular dermis. Of the 13 JI-PDT tumors, 11 had tumor clearance confirmed, 1 recurred, and 1 was lost to follow-up. 1/11 patients experienced a serious adverse event of cellulitis. 70% of patients had local scarring at 3 months. Patients reported an average pain level of 5.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.3) during jet injection and 3.7 (SD = 1.8) during light illumination.

CONCLUSIONS

Jet injection of ALA for PDT treatment of nodular low-risk BCC is tolerable and feasible and may represent a novel modality to improve PDT.

THE PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathichyperhidrosis is a dysfunctional disorder involving eccrine sweat glands and its impact on patients' daily quality of life is well-known. Unlike some years ago, when only poor effective and safe therapeutic alternatives were available, nowadays, several emerging pharmacological active substances have gained significant space as treatment options.

AREAS COVERED

The authors report on, in this narrative review, the emerging data from the literature focusing on the pharmacological treatments to draw up a drug treatments flow-chart for patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis, taking into consideration specific differences among axillary, palmoplantar and craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

EXPERT OPINION

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis, regardless of the site of involvement, remains a functional disorder that places a significant burden on patients. After balancing efficacy against adverse events, systemic therapy, although off-label for all forms of hyperhidrosis can represent an additive therapeutic option for patients with insufficient response to topical treatment according to a step wise therapeutic approach. Until the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hyperhidrosis are clear, and the etiological therapeutic approach become realistic, the greatest challenge in the therapeutic management of hyperhidrotic patients seems to be the search for the most convenient combination between different therapeutic modalities (topical and systemic agents, and botulinum toxins) to achieve long-term control of the disease symptoms.

Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treatment of Forehead Hyperhidrosis: Multicenter Clinical Experience and Review from Literature

Among the forms of idiopathic hyperhidrosis, those involving the forehead have the greatest impact on patients’ quality of life, as symptoms are not very controllable and are difficult to mask for patients. Although the local injection therapy with Incobotulinum toxin type A (IncoBTX-A therapy) can be considered a rational treatment, data from the literature describing both efficacy and safety of the treatment over the long term are poor. The aim of this report is to describe the single-center experience of five patients seeking treatment, for forehead hyperhidrosis with IncoBTX-A. To evaluate the benefits, safety profile and duration of anhidrosis, patients were treated following a standardized procedure and then followed until clinical relapse. The amount of sweating was measured by gravimetric testing, the extension of hyperhidrosis area was measured through Minor’s iodine starch test, and response to the treatment was evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In all treated patients, a significant anhidrotic effect was observed 4 weeks after the treatment and lasted for approximately 36 weeks. The reduction in sweat production was associated with significant amelioration of symptoms and quality of life for all treated patients. No serious side effects occurred; one patient complained of a mild transient bilateral ptosis. Although further wider studies are required, our preliminary results seem to encourage the use of IncoBTX-A in forehead hyperhidrosis.

Outcome Using Either Intradermal Botox Injection or Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for Patients with Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: A Comparative Study

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, negatively impacts patients both physically and psychologically. It may be primary or secondary: the primary form is a benign condition, with its growing prevalence reaching 5% recently. Its medical treatments are transitory. Objectives: Comparison of the outcomes of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) after intradermal Botox injection (IBI) versus endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). Methods: Forty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Patients in the IBI group received an intradermal injection of a botulinum toxin A. Patients in the EST group received endoscopic electrocautery of the sympathetic chain. The patients were evaluated biweekly for 12 weeks, and patient satisfaction by outcome was evaluated using a 4-point satisfaction score. Results: At 12 weeks, 60% of the IBI group patients had maintained an improvement. Meanwhile, 40% of the patients were improved compared to pre-intervention scores, despite deterioration after remarkable improvement. On the other hand, 80% of ETS group patients maintained their Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) up until the end of follow-up. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher for the IBI group compared to the ETS group. Conclusions: Intradermal Botox injection is a simple, safe, non-invasive, and effective therapeutic modality for PPH and achieved higher patient satisfaction compared to ETS.

Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Dermatology: Systematic Review

Botulinum toxin is a superfamily of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum with well-established efficacy and safety profile in focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxins have also been used in many other skin diseases, in off label regimen. The objective of this manuscript is to review and analyze the main therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins in skin diseases. A systematic review of the published data was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Botulinum toxins present several label and off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. The best-reported evidence concerns focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, suppurative hidradenitis, Hailey–Hailey disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex Weber–Cockayne type, Darier’s disease, pachyonychia congenita, aquagenic keratoderma, alopecia, psoriasis, notalgia paresthetica, facial erythema and flushing, and oily skin. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and doses protocols for off label applications.

Transareolar single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy with a flexible endoscope for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

Transareolar single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) with a flexible endoscope has rarely been reported. This study assessed the performance of this novel minimally invasive technique for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH).

Methods

From January 2019 to September 2019, 118 males with severe PPH requiring single-port and bilateral ETS were randomly allocated to undergo transareolar ETS using a flexible endoscope (group A, n=58) or transaxillary ETS using a 5 mm thoracoscope (group B, n=60).

Results

Both groups had similar patient characteristics. All procedures were performed successfully, with no mortality or conversion to open surgery. All patients had dry and warm palms immediately after surgery. Compared with group B, group A had a significantly shorter median incision length [5.1 (5.0–5.2) vs. 10.9 (10.8–11.9) mm; P<0.001], and significantly lower median postoperative pain score [1 (1.0–2.0) vs. 3 (3.0–4.0); P<0.001]. There were no differences between the two groups in operative time, palmar temperature increase, and transient postoperative sweating. After complete follow-up, group A had a significantly higher median cosmetic score than group B [4.0 (3.0–4.0) vs. 3.0 (3.0–3.0); P<0.001]. There were no differences between the two groups regarding symptom resolution, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and satisfaction score. No patient reported residual pain or symptom recurrence.

Conclusions

Transareolar single-port ETS with a flexible endoscope is safe, effective, and minimally invasive with a small incision, minimal pain, and excellent cosmetic results. This novel procedure is suitable for routine treatment of PPH in males.

Topical Delivery of Nivolumab, a Therapeutic Antibody, by Fractional Laser and Pneumatic Injection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

PD-L1 is a tumor ligand that binds to the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, thereby inhibiting the antitumor immune response. The antibody nivolumab is a PD-1 inhibitor, Food and Drug Administration approved for systemic treatment of several aggressive cancer types. Topically applied nivolumab may hold potential as a future strategy to treat keratinocyte cancer, but its molecular properties preclude unassisted topical uptake. The aim of this study was to investigate uptake and biodistribution of topically delivered nivolumab, assisted by two physical enhancement techniques with different delivery kinetics; ablative fractional laser (AFL) and electronically controlled pneumatic injection (EPI).

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro porcine skin was exposed to CO₂ AFL (20 mJ/mb, 5% density), followed by passive diffusion of nivolumab in a Franz cell (1 mg/ml, 18 hours, n = 6) or treated with EPI (4 bar) for immediate delivery of nivolumab (1 mg/ml, 10 minutes, n = 6). The resulting nivolumab skin concentrations were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at three skin depths (100, 500, and 1500 µm), comparing the uptake from assisted delivery with intact skin. Biodistribution of nivolumab in the skin for all interventions was visualized by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Delivery of nivolumab by AFL-assisted passive diffusion and immediate EPI both resulted in significantly enhanced uptake of nivolumab in all skin depths compared with intact skin (P < 0.05). With AFL, nivolumab concentrations reached 86.3 µg/cm³ (100 µm), 105.8 µg/cm³ (500 µm), and 19.3 µg/cm³ (1500 µm), corresponding to 2-10% of the applied concentration, with the highest deposition in the mid dermis. Immediate EPI delivered 429.4 µg/cm³ (100 µm), 584.9 µg/cm³ (500 µm), and 295.9 µg/cm³ (1500 µm) into the skin, corresponding to 29-58% of the applied nivolumab concentration. From qualitative visualization of the biodistribution, it appeared that nivolumab distributed in a horizontal and continuous homogenous band in the upper and mid dermis through AFL-exposed skin, whereas EPI-delivery showed a deep focal deposition extending into the deep dermis.

CONCLUSIONS

AFL-assisted passive diffusion and immediate EPI-assisted delivery show the potential to deliver therapeutic antibodies locally. Future in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies would reveal the full potential for topical antibody delivery by energy-based devices. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a potentially disabling condition for which management remains a therapeutic challenge. Given the significant impact on quality of life, various treatment options are available, ranging from topical agents and medical devices to systemic therapies and surgical interventions. Nonsurgical approaches, i.e. topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, and systemic agents, are all supported by the current literature. Patients with mild-to-moderate disease can often benefit from topical therapies only. As disease severity progresses, systemic oral medication, such as anticholinergic drugs, usually becomes necessary. Last-line surgical approaches (sympathetic denervation) should be reserved for severe refractory cases. Recently, therapeutic strategies have been evolving with several new agents emerging as promising alternatives in clinical trials. In practice, however, each modality comes with its own benefits and risks. An individual therapeutic ladder is generally recommended, taking into account disease severity, benefit-to-risk profile, treatment cost, patient preference, and clinician expertise. This review will provide an update on current and emerging concepts of management for excessive hand sweating to help clinicians optimize therapeutic decision-making.

Recent developments in clinical trials of botulinum neurotoxins

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are increasingly used in clinical practice for several indications. Following the pioneering years of discoveries, the recent years have witnessed an increase of new indications and new toxin brands. We review here the clinical trials on BoNTs performed since 2014 and put them into perspective. We also review the ongoing trials listed by the National Institutes of Health registry (Clinicaltrials.gov). The following indications are reviewed here: blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, spasticity, cerebral palsy, urinary incontinence, headache, topical formulations, postoperative cardiac arrhythmia, keloids and scars. For each of these indications the latest trials are reviewed and commented.

Botulinum Toxin Off-Label Use in Dermatology: A Review

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes a flaccid muscle paralysis. It is currently used for aesthetic treatments and in the focal hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxin has also been used experimentally in many other dermatological conditions with good results.

OBJECTIVE

To review and analyze the possible botulinum toxin off-label applications published.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the published data was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

this potent drug can lead to several off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and dose protocols.