Mediterranean Diet as an Interventional Therapy for Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 16th, 2026
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The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intake of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with reduced consumption of red meat and dairy products, has been associated with improved weight control, better cardiovascular outcomes, and reduced systemic inflammation. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder driven by immune dysregulation. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined whether the anti-inflammatory properties of the Mediterranean diet could be leveraged as a therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.
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Oral Interleukin-23 Inhibitor, Icotrokinra, to Manage Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 1st, 2025
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Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition driven by an overactive immune response. Treatments that target pro-inflammatory pathways-such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-17, IL-23, and TNFα-have been effective, but most require injectable administration. The need for regular clinic visits can reduce adherence, while existing oral treatments tend to be less effective. To address this gap, a Johnson & Johnson–funded study evaluated the oral agent icotrokinra for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
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Decade-Long Clinical Outcome & Safety of Nivolumab Treatment in Advanced Melanoma
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 2nd, 2026
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After extensive testing, it has been found that nivolumab is an effective treatment for advanced-stage melanoma. When compared with other immunotherapy, nivolumab had also proven to be superior. A long-term surveillance study on the clinical outcome of nivolumab on melanoma had recently been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Using 0.03% Roflumilast Foam to Treat Plaque Psoriasis Affecting the Scalp
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 7th, 2025
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Treating plaque psoriasis affecting the scalp is challenging because the presence of hair can interfere with the application of topical agents in the form of ointment or cream. However, newer delivery methods such as foam might be more effective and suitable with hair care practice. With funding from Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a study was conducted to assess the usage of roflumilast foam to manage plaque psoriasis.
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Treating Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Ivarmacitinib
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 5th, 2025
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The inflammation and itching characteristic of atopic dermatitis are driven primarily by the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31. Current therapies target these cytokines or their downstream signaling proteins, such as the Janus kinase (JAK) family; however, their efficacy remains limited and adverse effects are common. To address these challenges, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals funded a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ivarmacitinib, a selective JAK inhibitor, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
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Effect of Nicotinamide Cream in Preventing Skin Cancer
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 3rd, 2025
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Previous clinical trials have suggested that nicotinamide supplementation may help prevent skin cancer; however, these studies were limited by small sample sizes. To further investigate its effectiveness, a large-scale study funded by the US government evaluated the use of topical nicotinamide in skin cancer prevention.
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Investigate the Cardiovascular Effects of Interleukin-17 Inhibitors
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 29th, 2025
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Previous research suggested a possible link between interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor use in psoriasis and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, potentially due to the role of IL-17 in collagen production. By lowering IL-17 levels, therapies targeting T-helper 17 cells may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of vascular blockage. To investigate this further, a study was funded by the French Society of Dermatology to examine the cardiovascular safety of IL-17 inhibitors.
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Preventing Disease Recurrence with Cemiplimab in Patients Undergone Surgical Resection for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 19th, 2025
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Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer, and it can easily be managed with surgical resection. In cases of recurrent disease, radiotherapy can be used, but treatment failure can still occur in certain patients. A study was funded by Sanofi & Regeneron Pharmaceuticals with the aims to explore the usage of cemiplimab in treating cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients with a high likelihood of relapse.
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Combining JAK-Inhibitor Baricitinib and Narrow Band UV-B Phototherapy to Treat Vitiligo
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on July 18th, 2025
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Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disorder caused by melanocyte destruction by immune cells. The condition is traditionally treated with UV-B phototherapy. However, since this process is mediated by both interferon alpha produced by dendritic cells and interleukin-13 from type 2 T-cell response. Medications that interfere with this pathway, like ruxolitinib and baricitinib, can be used to manage the condition. With funding from Eli Lilly, a study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of baricitinib and UV-B phototherapy in treating vitiligo.
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Treating Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria by Blocking Histamine Release with Remibrutinib
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 14th, 2025
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Chronic spontaneous urticaria is an allergic condition marked by unpredictable itching and hives, with no identifiable trigger. This allergic reaction results from mast cell degranulation. While second-generation H1 antihistamines are the most commonly prescribed treatment, up to 75% of patients may not respond even at maximum doses. Novartis sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of remibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor, in managing urticaria.
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Managing Itching and Lesions in Patients with Prurigo Nodularis with Nemolizumab
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 31st, 2025
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Prurigo nodularis is an inflammatory skin disorder driven by interleukin-31, characterized by severe itching that leads to scratching, which can result in bleeding and sleep disturbances. Funded by Galderma, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nemolizumab, an IL-31 receptor antagonist, in managing prurigo nodularis.
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Assessing the Combination of Oral Baricitinib and UV-B Phototherapy in Managing Vitiligo
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 17th, 2025
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Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which CD8-positive T-cells attack the pigment-producing melanocytes in the epidermis, resulting in patches of milky-white skin. This process is influenced by interferon-gamma and interleukin-13, and can be managed using therapies that target the Janus kinase (JAK) proteins involved in signal transduction. A study funded by Eli Lilly investigated the potential benefits of combining oral baricitinib, a JAK inhibitor, with UV-B phototherapy for vitiligo management.
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Long-Term Outcomes of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Combination in Unresectable Advanced Melanoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 3rd, 2025
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Following its approval in 2010, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has shown remarkable outcomes in patients with melanoma. Nivolumab and ipilimumab function by blocking the PD-1 and CTLA-4 proteins that cancer cells use to suppress the immune response. After the approval, Bristol Myers Squibb sponsored a surveillance study to assess the long-term outcomes of the nivolumab and ipilimumab combination in treating melanoma.
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Treating Multibacillary Leprosy with the Alternative 8-Week Bedaquiline Monotherapy Regimen
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 17th, 2025
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Multibacillary leprosy is a severe skin infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that is typically treated with a 12-month course of clofazimine, dapsone, and rifampin. While this antimicrobial regimen is effective, it is challenging due to the adverse effects of dapsone, poor adherence resulting from the long treatment duration, and the emergence of resistant strains. Bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline that inhibits mycobacterial ATP synthase, offers a potential alternative to the current regimen. A study sponsored by Janssen was conducted to explore the use of bedaquiline monotherapy as a treatment for multibacillary leprosy.
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Effectiveness of Neoadjuvant Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Resectable Stage III Melanoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 18th, 2024
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For patients with resectable melanoma, nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, and ipilimumab, a CTLA-4 inhibitor, can be used as adjuvant treatments to eliminate residual tumor cells following surgery. Both nivolumab and ipilimumab function by blocking the signals tumor cells use to suppress immune cell activity. A study sponsored by Bristol Myers was conducted to assess whether administering nivolumab and ipilimumab as neoadjuvant therapy before surgery could also be effective.
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Long-Term Outcomes of Dabrafenib and Trametinib Combination in Stage III Melanoma with BRAF Mutation
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 16th, 2024
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BRAF is a key gene involved in regulating cell growth, and mutations in this gene can lead to persistent MEK activation, causing uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is commonly seen in many melanoma cases. This condition can be managed by inhibiting both BRAF and MEK using dabrafenib and trametinib, in combination with other immunotherapy treatments that help clear cancerous tissue. Following FDA approval for use in 2018, long-term monitoring of patient health outcomes continued, and recent findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Oral TYK2 Inhibitor Zasocitinib Shows Promising Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 13th, 2024
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Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition primarily driven by interleukin 17 and T-helper 17 cells. While there are several effective treatments targeting these pathways, the options for oral administration are limited. Zasocitinib is an orally bioavailable agent that inhibits TYK2, a key component of the intracellular signaling pathway in immune cells, by interfering with JAK protein transduction. A study, sponsored by Nimbus Discovery and Takeda, was conducted to investigate the efficacy of zasocitinib in managing plaque psoriasis.
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Assessing Guselkumab Efficacy in Treating Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 8th, 2024
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Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare inflammatory condition that shares similar immunological pathways with psoriasis such as interleukin-23 overexpression and T-helper 17 activation. Psoriasis can be treated with guselkumab, an antibody that can bind to IL-23p19, and the pharmaceutical company Janssen had sponsored a study to assess its efficacy to treat pityriasis rubra pilaris.
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Comparative Study of Oral and Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 6th, 2024
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To treat androgenetic alopecia in men, the only treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. However, their usage had been linked with adverse sexual effects and scalp irritation. Consequently, the Brazilian Dermatology Society initiated a study to explore the feasibility of employing oral minoxidil for managing androgenetic alopecia.
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Novel oral IL-23 Receptor Antagonist Shows Promise in Plaque Psoriasis Treatment
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 27th, 2024
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Psoriasis arises from an inflammatory reaction orchestrated by interleukin-23 (IL-23), prompting current treatments to focus on this cytokine. However, many existing therapies targeting IL-23 are biologics necessitating intravenous or subcutaneous administration, posing inconvenience. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of JNJ-77242113, a novel IL-23 receptor antagonist that can be taken orally, in treating plaque psoriasis.
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Using Tebentafusp to treat metastatic uveal melanoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 5th, 2024
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Uveal melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer impacting the eyes, presents a distinct challenge compared to cutaneous melanoma. Once metastasis occurs, the prognosis is notably grim, with a median survival rate of approximately one year. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, commonly effective in cutaneous melanoma, prove ineffective in addressing uveal melanoma. Consequently, a study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Tebentafusp, a bispecific fusion receptor designed to enhance the neutralization of uveal melanoma cells enriched with gp100 by T-cells.
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Investigating the effectiveness of Nemolizumab, an IL-33 inhibitor, to treat prurigo nodularis
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 22nd, 2023
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Prurigo nodularis, a persistent skin condition influenced by type 2 and type 17 helper T-cells (Th2 and Th17), has seen success with Dupilumab as an initial treatment, given its capacity to hinder IL-4 and IL-17 signaling. Since IL-33, a cytokine released by Th2 cells, is another prospective therapeutic target, a study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nemolizumab, an inhibitor of IL-33, in managing prurigo nodularis.
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Treating erythrodermic atopic dermatitis with the monoclonal antibody dupilumab
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on May 8th, 2023
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Erythrodermic atopic dermatitis (AD) is a more severe subtype in which more than 90% of the body surface area of the patient is marked with erythema and pruritus. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used as a treatment but application to the entire body is not practical. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that can block the proinflammatory effect of the IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine, and a study examining its effect on erythrodermic atopic dermatitis had recently been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Combining Lebrikizumab and Topical Corticosteroids to Treat Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on March 24th, 2023
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Atopic dermatitis is currently being treated with topical corticosteroids to varying degrees of effectiveness. The disease severity is inversely correlated with the level of Interleukin-13 production. Lebrikizumab is an antibody that can bind to and neutralize the proinflammatory Interleukin-13. Thus, a study, with funding from the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, was conducted to assess the effectiveness using lebrikizumab to treat atopic dermatitis.
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The effectiveness and safety of spironolactone in treating acne
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on March 22nd, 2023
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Spironolactone is a steroid-based diuretic that has been widely used to treat hypertension. Due to its structural similarity with other hormones such as aldosterone and estrogen, many had hypothesized that it can be utilized to treat acne vulgaris. Thus, the National Institute for Health and Care Research of the United Kingdoms had sponsored a study that investigated the effect of spironolactone in treating acne.
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Possible usage of nicotinamide to prevent skin cancer in transplant recipients
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 10th, 2023
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To lower the odds of graft rejection, organ transplant recipients must be placed in an immunosuppressive state. However, this inhibits the body’s anti-tumor capability and increases the risk of skin cancer. In vitro, Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) can enhance the efficiency of the DNA repair mechanism after damage from UV radiation. Thus, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council had sponsored a study to investigate the possible usage of nicotinamide in preventing keratinocyte cancer in organ transplant recipients
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Upadacitinib vs. Dupilumab in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 2nd, 2022
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Atopic dermatitis is majorly driven by the pro-inflammatory signal transduced by Interleukin-4. Thus, dupilumab, an antibody targeting IL-4 receptors has been used to treat the condition; however, only half of them achieve skin clearance after 16 weeks of usage. Thus, upadacitinib, a small molecule JAK inhibitor, can be a better alternative due to its broader spectrum of activity. Upadacitinib had already been approved for usage to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis; thus, a comparative study was conducted, and its result had been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Dermatology.
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Ruxolitinib cream helps with skin repigmentation in those who had been diagnosed with vitiligo
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 21st, 2022
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The skin depigmentation of vitiligo is caused by the destruction of melanocytes by CD8+ T cells. These lymphocytes are recruited by the Interferon-γ-driven overstimulation of the JAK-STAT pathway at the affected sites. A previous stage II clinical trial had reported that the JAK-inhibiting agent, Ruxolitinib, can help increase the rate of skin repigmentation. The result from the follow-up phase III trial had been released to provide more insight on the efficacy of the ruxolitinib cream.
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Emollient usage to prevent atopic dermatitis in neonates
Topic: ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY, DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 5th, 2022
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As Vietnam is undergoing an epidemiological transition, we can see an increase in childhood allergic condition frequency alongside the drop in communicable disease. Thus, it is essential to increase our understanding about the best treatment for these conditions. A recent study had reported the efficacy of early-life emollient usage on preventing atopic dermatitis.
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The effectiveness of Tazarotene 0.045% lotion in treating acne vulgaris
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 3rd, 2022
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Retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, is a first-line treatment for acne lesions by preventing keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. There are many types of medication in the retinoid class; each targets a few specific subtypes of retinoid receptors and have their own tolerability profile. A recent review article had recently published their findings on the efficacy and safety of Tazarotene, a retinoid that targets 2 of the 6 receptors.
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Efficacy and safety of topical roflumilast in treating plaque psoriasis
Topic: DERMATOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 28th, 2022
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Roflumilast is an anti-inflammatory agent that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its topical formulation had recently been approved for treating plaque psoriasis in July of 2022. The investigating team behind the trial had recently published their findings on the efficacy and safety of topical roflumilast.
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