Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer and represents a growing public health care problem. Several tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes have been implicated in BCC pathogenesis, including the key components of the Hedgehog pathway, PTCH1 and SMO, the TP53 tumor suppressor, and members of the RAS proto-oncogene family. Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog pathway represents the molecular driver in basal cell carcinoma pathogenesis, with the majority of BCCs carrying somatic point mutations, mainly ultraviolet (UV)-induced, and/or copy-loss of heterozygosis in the PTCH1 gene. Recent advances in sequencing technology allowed genome-scale approaches to mutation discovery, identifying new genes and pathways potentially involved in BCC carcinogenesis. Mutational and functional analysis suggested PTPN14 and LATS1, both effectors of the Hippo–YAP pathway, and MYCN as new BCC-associated genes. In addition, emerging reports identified frequent non-coding mutations within the regulatory promoter sequences of the TERT and DPH3-OXNAD1 genes. Thus, it is clear that a more complex genetic network of cancer-associated genes than previously hypothesized is involved in BCC carcinogenesis, with a potential impact on the development of new molecular targeted therapies. This article reviews established knowledge and new hypotheses regarding the molecular genetics of BCC pathogenesis.

A 71-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our department with the results of a glans biopsy consistent with the diagnosis of necrobiosis lipoidica (NL). The patient reported a two-year history of persistent induration of the glans penis, and physical examination revealed sharply demarcated indurated brownish-yellow plaques on an erythematous base, involving the glans as well as the foreskin (Figure 1 ). No similar lesions were found anywhere else on the body. He also had a fi ve-year history of psoriatic arthritis and a three-year history of diabetes mellitus, for which he was taking methotrexate and oral antidiabetic drugs; the diabetes was well controlled. Treatment with high-potency topical

Background Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is caused by hookworm larvae, and constitutes the most commonly acquired tropical dermatosis.

In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of four skin care products indicated for skin hydration (Aqua Therapy  and Perfecta ) and are formulated with a specific combination of active compounds (Dermo28  ). Evaluation of sebum secretion, hydration and pH of the skin (all groups), wrinkle severity (Unica Resurfacing Therapy  ) and erythema (Comfort Therapy  ) was performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. A significant increase in hydration was recorded in subjects with dry skin receiving Aqua Therapy  for facial hydration and Perfecta  for body hydration, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). A significant decrease in the modified Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale (p = 0.006) and an increase in sebum secretion and hydration (p = 0.013 and p < 0.001, respectively) were observed in the Unica Resurfacing Therapy  group. In subjects with sensitive skin (Comfort Therapy  ), a decrease in erythema (p = 0.012), an increase in sebum secretion (p = 0.001) and hydration (p < 0.001), and a reduction in pH (p = 0.005) were detected at the end of treatment. Only one patient reported a minor adverse event. This specific combination of active ingredients was clinically effective and safe, and contributed to skin surface hydrolipidic film regeneration, improvement of wrinkle depth and reduction of redness.

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