Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr 1, 2018 | Page 11

Simon Francis Thomsen, et al. – Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Dermato-Venereology: Current and Future Research Activities
We perform studies on hairless mice to find possible prophy-
lactic substances against UV-induced cutaneous squamous cell
carcinoma. The formation of vitamin D is a beneficial effect
of UVB exposure (2). Pigmentation is thought to play an im-
portant role in reduced formation of vitamin D. However, we
have shown that the effect on formation of vitamin D is pri-
marily related to pigment genes, whereas pigment itself plays
a minor role. Furthermore, the use of sunscreen has proven
to be a minor problem related to the formation of vitamin D.
Establishing skin type has previously relied on questionnaires,
but research carried out at the department has led to the deve­
lopment of a fast, objective measuring method. This, alongside
objective measurements of sun exposure, has opened new re-
search possibilities. Overdosing leads to lentigines and we have
established the relation between the formation of lentigines,
skin phototype and risk of skin cancer (3). Furthermore, we
have developed a new skin cancer phototype questionnaire,
which divides people into 4 groups, with a difference in odds
ratio of approximately 5.4 for risk of skin cancer due to skin
sensitivity alone.
We have developed methods for measuring eumelanin and
pheomelanin pigments from skin biopsies, and current
projects focus on relating this to skin phototype and risk of
cutaneous malignant melanoma. A method is under develop-
ment for rapid detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma
by gene analysis on material lifted by tape from the stratum
corneum above the suspected lesion.
Our research into the treatment of skin cancer and actinic
keratosis has focused on photodynamic therapy (PDT). We
have transformed the conventional PDT method into daylight
PDT (Fig. 1). The photoactive component protoporphyrin IX
(PpIX) is formed and activated continuously during daylight
illumination, as opposed to conventional PDT, in which PpIX
accumulates before illumination. This procedure makes the
treatment much more agreeable and virtually painless for the
patients. This development has meant a worldwide introduc-
tion of daylight PDT.
Cutaneous lymphomas and skin oncology
The department has a long-standing interest in skin oncology,
with a particular focus on primary cutaneous lymphomas and
non-melanoma skin cancer. Over the last 15 years we have
developed and maintained a multidisciplinary cutaneous
lymphoma clinic integrating expertise in dermatology, med-
ical and radiation oncology and dermatopathology. All new
patients are reviewed during multidisciplinary rounds, where
the diagnosis can be established on the basis of clinico-patho-
logical correlation. Our clinic provides care to more than 300
patients with different form of cutaneous lymphomas of all
stages. Examples of our contributions to the field are devel-
opment of the low-dose total skin electron beam radiation
for advanced mycosis fungoides and introduction of positron
emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan-
ning as a routine staging procedure in advanced disease (4, 5).
The low-dose protocol has been adopted internationally and
is currently standard of care in many leading centres.
Fig. 1. Gazebo greenhouse designed for daylight photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the hospital gardens.
Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2018, Vol. 23, No. 1
D ermato -V enereology in the N ordic C ountries
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