Clinical and Basic Research
The Department of Dermatology provides the opportunity for each resident to enrich his or her training program by involvement in an original research project. Under the direction of the Research Committee, each program is individualized so that the resident may select either a basic science or clinical research topic compatible with individual interests and skills. Basic research in cutaneous biology includes the areas of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunodermatology, and pathology which are conducted in well-equipped modern facilities in the Department of Dermatology, or in the laboratories of other members of the faculty of the School of Medicine. The faculty members who head these laboratories have contributed widely to the scientific literature in their respective fields.
Some current clinical research activities include the epidemiology and biochemistry of epidermolysis bullosa, and the development of new therapeutic regimens for control of this disease.
The Department of Dermatology has a centralized Clinical Trials Unit where the safety, efficacy, and/or pharmacokinectics of new therapies are explored. Additional departmental strengths are in investigations of fetal skin biology, pediatric dermatology, wound healing, connective tissue biology, and cutaneous oncology.
The clinical trials that are performed:
Skin aging studies
We seek to understand the human aging processes as it relates to skin on a fundamental level. To this end, our studies focus on clinical and translational research efforts ranging from: (1) the analysis of gene changes which predispose individuals to exceptionally youthful skin to (2) molecular signatures that may be biomarkers for aging skin to (3) the careful study of new candidate agents which might affect the skin aging process.
Skin conditions enriched in the aging population
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Recent advances in our understanding of basal cell skin cancer biology have enabled the development of cutting edge study drugs which combat tumor growth. We are currently home to a number of clinical trials at the forefront of potential therapy for advanced or metastatic basal cell cancer. In addition, we seek to understand the biology of basal cell skin cancers and to identify molecular predictors for treatment success.
Acne Rosacea
This is a common and frustrating chronic inflammatory condition of the face, usually affecting older individuals. The causes of this complex condition are the subject of much study. Our clinical studies seek to identify new topical or oral medications to improve the symptoms of acne rosacea.