Given the role of the inflammatory immune responses in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, the goal of modern medicine and pharmacotherapy lies in the design and use of specific targets in cell-mediated immune reactions and the modulation of the expression of various inflammatory cytokines. The clinical evidence of efficacy of some of these new biological immunomodulatory agents from several U.S.-based research studies and clinical experiences is convincing.

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The growing incidence of cutaneous malignancies each year necessitates the development of new and more effective methods for both the diagnosis and the treatment of cancerous lesions, while assuring better cosmetic results and improving patient satisfaction. With that in mind, the use of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been explored in the treatment as well as the diagnosis of various cutaneous malignancies. Using the intrinsic cellular haem biosynthetic pathway and principles of photoillumination, topical PDT carries the goal of selectively targeting abnormal cells, while preserving the normal surrounding structures. This paper will discuss the various applications and data on the use of topical PDT in dermatology.

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Many patients with rosacea are unable to tolerate extended treatment periods with topical agents because of the unusually high skin sensitivity that often accompanies rosacea. Kinetin (N(6)-furfuryladenine) is a plant cytokinin that reportedly helps restore skin barrier function and may be useful to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of rosacea. The purpose of this open-label study was to determine the tolerance and efficacy of twice-daily application of kinetin 0.1% lotion for improving the signs and symptoms of mild to moderate facial rosacea. Subjects applied kinetin 0.1% lotion twice daily to the face, with daily use of a sunscreen of sun protection factor 30. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at 4-week intervals for 12 weeks to assess efficacy and tolerance. Results of this study suggest that kinetin 0.1% lotion is a well-tolerated moisturizing lotion option for subjects with mild to moderate inflammatory rosacea.