Table of contents
- Sessions on Vitiligo
- Sessions on Rheumatology
- Sessions on Nail Diseases
- Sessions on Hair Disorders
- Sessions on Aesthetic
- Sessions on Innovative Therapies
- Late-Breaking Research and News
- Conclusion
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting is just around the corner, and it promises to be an exciting event filled with the latest advancements and research in dermatology. This year’s meeting will feature a variety of sessions including but not limited to vitiligo, rheumatology, nail diseases, and hair disorders. Here is a preview of some of the most anticipated sessions that you will not want to miss.
Sessions on Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a significant focus this year, with several clinical trials ongoing. There have been notable innovations in the management of vitiligo in the last years, including the approval of the first topical JAK inhibitor for this condition. These sessions will delve into the features of vitiligo, present recent discoveries, and discuss emerging therapies.
1. Vitiligo
Scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this session offers a comprehensive overview of vitiligo, covering its pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and current treatment options, along with emerging therapies. Attendees will benefit from the insights of leading experts and key opinion leaders in the field. The session will explore patterns of depigmentation, their differential diagnoses, and implications for prognosis and treatment. Current management approaches and their comparative safety and efficacy will be outlined, and emerging targeted therapies will be characterized. The goal is to empower attendees with knowledge that will lead to improved outcomes for their patients.
2. Vitiligo: Evidenced Based Medicine Applied to Cases
On Saturday, March 8, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, this session will focus on the available treatment options for managing patients with active or stable vitiligo. It will present new research data and discuss the efficient use of ruxolitinib cream, the first topical JAK inhibitor approved for vitiligo. Participants will learn from leading experts and key opinion leaders in the field. The session will emphasize evidence-based knowledge from recent clinical trials and studies to enhance patient treatment. It will include discussions on what patients most want to know during visits and how to meet their goals. A case-based approach will be used to address challenging situations in practice. Additionally, the session will focus on how dermatologists can improve healthcare disparities in the treatment of vitiligo.
3. Understanding Vitiligo: Exploring the Patient Experience
Join Pfizer on Saturday, March 8, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an engaging symposium that explores the lived experiences of individuals with vitiligo. This industry session will feature firsthand accounts from patients about their unique journeys, challenges, and successes. Esteemed faculty will offer expert context insights on the impact of vitiligo and discuss the evolving landscape of care. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and deepen their understanding of this complex condition. Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi, MD, from Canton, Michigan, USA, will be the featured speaker.
Sessions on Rheumatology
With Indero expanding its activities in rheumatology, these sessions will provide valuable insights into various rheumatology conditions. Although dermatology and rheumatology are distinct specialties, many rheumatologic diseases have dermatologic manifestations and vice versa.
1. Rheumatology for the Dermatologist: Evaluating the Rheumatology Patient in the Dermatology Clinic
Scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, this session will provide attendees with essential insights into evaluating and managing rheumatologic conditions that present with dermatological signs and symptoms. The session will cover a range of conditions, including dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), and morphea, focusing on their diagnosis and treatment. Through rapid-fire talks by leading experts, attendees will gain knowledge on systemic considerations and emerging therapies for these conditions, as well as screening and monitoring CLE-SLE progression and diagnosing inflammatory arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Additional topics will include serological markers in connective tissue diseases and managing autoimmune skin diseases in cancer immunotherapy patients. This session is tailored for dermatologists, emphasizing collaborative care and staying updated on the intersection of dermatology and rheumatology.
2. Rheum-Derm Conditions for the General Dermatologist
On Monday, March 10, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, this session is designed to help general dermatologists recognize and manage the most common dermatological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases, such as cutaneous lupus and dermatomyositis. The course will provide a comprehensive review of first-line treatments for these conditions and guide learners in formulating a plan that includes necessary investigations for skin findings in rheumatologic diseases and select the best treatments. This session aims to equip general dermatologists with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage rheum-derm conditions in their everyday practice.
Sessions on Nail Diseases
Nail diseases are another area of focus at this year’s meeting. These sessions will cover the main nail disorders, their diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing nail disorders.
1. Nail Symposium
Taking place on Friday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM , this session will provide a thorough overview of major nail disorders, including onychomycosis. Attendees will gain insights into the diagnosis and treatment options for various nail conditions, with a special focus on the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing these disorders. Esteemed experts from around the globe will present the latest scientific evidence on nail conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and disorders in patients with skin of color. The session will also cover self-induced nail disorders and onychoscopy.
2. What’s new in onychomycosis?
Scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, this session will provide an update on the changing epidemiology of onychomycosis, highlighting the increase in non-dermatophyte molds and mixed infections. The session will compare and contrast newer diagnostic methods with traditional ones and discuss the expanding range of treatment options, including orals, topicals, and devices. The emergence of resistant organisms and management strategies will be addressed, along with methods for sanitizing shoes and socks to reduce recurrence. This interactive session will encourage audience participation through periodic questions. Attendees will learn the latest news in onychomycosis, including new diagnostic methods and new treatment options.
3. Focus on Onychoscopy
On Saturday, March 8, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, this session will delve into the characteristics of common nail conditions through a review of case images of pediatric and adult nails, as well as nails of different skin colors. Speakers will cover the basics of nail dermoscopy and the main diagnostic characteristics of some inflammatory nail conditions. Dermoscopy signs of the most common nail disorders will be presented with their differential diagnosis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diseases.
Sessions on Hair Disorders
There has been increasing interest in hair disorders research over the past years, with several new therapies approved, particularly for alopecia areata (AA). These sessions will explore the features of different hair disorders, present recent discoveries, and discuss ongoing research with emerging therapies.
1. Updates in Hair Disorders
Scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of hair disorders, including their diagnosis and the efficacy and safety of the latest treatments such as JAK inhibitors and topical and intralesional anti-androgens. The session will cover a wide range of scalp disorders, including AA, androgenetic hair loss, acute and chronic telogen effluvium, and cicatricial alopecia, such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Discussions will also include alopecia in cancer patients and survivors. The efficacy of the latest treatments will be evaluated, and the role of trichoscopy and scalp pathology in distinguishing scalp disorders will be emphasized. An update on surgical techniques in hair transplantation will be presented, along with a focus on ethnic hair disorders like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and issues with chemical relaxers.
2. Hair Disorders Made Easier
On Friday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this session aims to empower dermatologists with a practical approach to hair disorders, focusing on key differential diagnoses and types of therapy. The session will cover how to get the most out of biopsy reports, utilize trichoscopy, and learn therapeutic insights from expert alopecia specialists. It will provide a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing patients with both non-scarring and scarring alopecia. The session will also highlight therapeutic lessons based on expert clinical experience.
3. Alopecia Areata: New Therapies
Scheduled for Sunday, March 9, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this session will focus on the treatment approach for AA, including discussions on hair regrowth for beards, eyebrows, and eyelashes, as well as management of children with AA. With the rising interest in hair loss conditions, understanding AA is crucial as it is the most common cause of immune-mediated alopecia. The session will cover the intricate pathology, patient demographics, comorbidities, and new therapeutic options. The team of speakers, who have been leaders in developing the AA severity scale and therapeutic guidelines, will compare and analyze novel therapies, identify patients eligible for new medications considering their comorbidities, and describe therapeutic guidelines, including dosing, duration of treatment, and clinical prognosis.
Sessions on Aesthetic
Experts will discuss new concepts, the latest updates on botulinum toxins, and injectable controversies. The sessions also explore the future of cosmetic dermatology, emerging technologies, and innovative treatments, while addressing potential complications and their management.
1. Pearls from the Masters of Dermatological Surgery
On Friday, March 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this session will feature short presentations by selected experts who will share valuable takeaways in dermatologic oncology, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Each speaker, chosen for their experience and teaching reputation, will present 1–3 practical tips designed to be immediately relevant to clinical practice. Topics will include new concepts in cosmetic dermatology, a review of toxins, fillers, and energy-based devices, and new surgical repairs and solutions for dermatologic problems. This highly interactive and practical session is popular among attendees and speakers alike and promises to be a valuable learning experience.
2. Botulinum Toxins: The Latest Updates
Scheduled for Saturday, March 8, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, this session will provide an overview of currently available botulinum toxin drugs and those soon to be available. It will cover new injection techniques, optimal injection locations, and both objective and subjective outcomes of treatments. The use of botulinum toxin in aesthetics has advanced significantly, with multiple choices of products and evolving indications. This forum will examine the history and latest developments in the clinical use of neuromodulators, presenting data on the similarities and differences between available and upcoming drugs.
3. Dermatology Review: Skin Cancer, Surgical, and Cosmetic
On Saturday, March 8, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this session is divided in two portions; cosmetic and oncology. The cosmetic portion will provide updates on the use of injectables for achieving a natural look, will review the various available cosmeceuticals, and present different laser technologies and how to optimize their use. Cosmetic tips will also be discussed. The oncologic portion will cover best practices in imaging for benign and malignant skin tumors, the use of superficial XRT in treating skin cancer, and functionality assessments for skin cancer patients with various comorbidities.
Sessions on Innovative Therapies
There have been unprecedented advancements in understanding inflammatory skin diseases in the last decate, leading to development of new therapies. Experts will review therapeutic advances in the field of dermatology, presenting novel treatments and their mechanisms of action. Attendees will learn about new and emerging treatments, including JAK inhibitors and biologics, and gain insights into modern therapeutic approaches for conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The sessions also cover the latest devices and monitoring guidelines for immunomodulatory drugs, making them essential for staying updated in dermatology.
1. Inflammatory Skin Diseases: The Translational Revolution
Scheduled for Saturday, March 8, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this session will delve into the immune pathways leading to various inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, AA, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, and vitiligo. The session will explore the mechanisms of action of different treatments and highlight recent therapeutic advances. These advances have led to the rapid development and testing of more targeted treatments that are safer for long-term disease control compared to older immune suppressant treatments. The symposium will address both the increased understanding and novel therapeutic developments for common inflammatory skin diseases, ultimately aiming to improve patient care.
2. Therapeutic Hotline
On Sunday, March 9, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this session will review new and emerging therapeutic options for managing patients with a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. The session will cover the latest advancements in treating conditions such as psoriasis, melanoma, actinic keratoses, acne, rosacea, dyspigmentation, hair diseases, rare diseases, and non-melanoma skin cancer. Attendees will learn about the newest and most exciting developments in dermatology, spanning medical, cosmetic, and surgical fields. The session will also feature two dynamic question and answer panels, providing an opportunity for interactive learning. Participants will gain insights into utilizing new therapeutics, recognizing situations where new therapies may be required, and analyzing newer research paradigms to treat common medical dermatological conditions with cutting-edge therapies.
3. New Innovations in Dermatology: What Devices you will be Using in the Next 1–5 Years
Scheduled for Friday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this session will focus on examining the cutting-edge changes in dermatologic treatments and technologies. The session will highlight current and forward-looking “game changers” that will transform the delivery of dermatologic care for the benefit of patients. Topics will include new advances in dermatology, such as botulinum toxins, lasers, energy-based devices, and fillers. Attendees will discuss new treatments, assess patient needs for these treatments, and predict which new devices will become routine parts of clinical practice in the next 1–5 years. This session will feature insights from world leaders in dermatologic innovation, providing a glimpse into the future of dermatologic care.
Late-Breaking Research and News
Attendees will gain insights from unpublished clinical trials, recent research findings, and notable articles from the past year. The sessions will also feature interactive discussions with authors and presentations on recent trends and innovative therapies, making them essential for staying current in the field.
1. Late-Breaking Research: Sessions 1–2
On Saturday, March 8, there will be two sessions dedicated to late-breaking research, one from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and another from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. These sessions will feature presentations of the latest research findings on disease pathogenesis, translational research, and emerging treatments. Investigators are invited to submit their most recent research in all areas of dermatology, and the highest-rated studies will be selected for brief oral presentations. The sessions will showcase clinical trials that change practice, population-based studies, innovative technologies, translational biomarker research, and groundbreaking basic science. Attendees will learn how the latest research findings can translate into improved patient care, focusing on new treatments, diagnostic tools, and emerging trends in dermatology. The sessions will also explore the integration of scientific discoveries and technological advancements into everyday clinical practice, addressing both common and complex dermatologic conditions. Insights into the latest industry developments, including new pharmaceutical products, devices, and technologies, will be shared, highlighting how these innovations might shape the future of dermatological treatments.
2. JAAD Game Changers
On Sunday, March 9, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the JAAD Game Changers session will feature a selection of landmark articles that have significantly impacted the practice of dermatology. This forum will consist of short presentations by the authors of these Game Changer articles, followed by a 15-minute interchange with the audience, allowing attendees to ask questions about the groundbreaking work. The top 10 Game Changers from the last two years of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) will be presented. At the end of the session, the audience will use an Audience Response System to vote for the “JAAD Game Changer of the Year.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming AAD Annual Meeting promises to be an invaluable event for dermatology professionals, offering knowledge on the latest advancements and research. With sessions covering a broad range of topics, from vitiligo and rheumatology to nail diseases, hair disorders, aesthetics, and innovative therapies, attendees will have the opportunity to stay at the forefront of their field. The inclusion of late-breaking research and interactive discussions ensures that participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of current trends and future directions in dermatology. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise and contribute to the advancement of dermatological science.
About the Author
Julie Basque
Julie Basque is a Senior Clinical Scientist at Indero, with more than 15 years’ experience in clinical research, bringing extensive expertise in clinical research and drug development. Throughout her career, Julie has held various pivotal roles, including Senior Clinical Scientist, Clinical Research Scientist, and Clinical Study Manager. Her comprehensive experience spans across multiple facets of clinical research, making her a valuable asset to Indero.
Julie’s skill set is diverse and includes proficiency in scientific and regulatory affairs, study design, protocol and clinical study report development, pharmacology, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and drug development. Her work within Contract Research Organizations (CROs) has further honed her expertise, enabling her to contribute significantly to the advancement of clinical studies and therapeutic innovations.
Julie is dedicated to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes through her meticulous and informed approach to clinical science.
