Introducing The Spot Check, the latest addition to the lineup of esteemed dermatology podcasts from Dermsquared™. In this exciting new venture for physician assistants and nurse practitioners, periodic timely episodes spotlight key special events, upcoming conferences, professional opportunities, and more. If you’re a PA or NP, The Spot Check is your go-to resource for staying informed, connected, and inspired. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of important happenings in dermatology.
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Introducing The Spot Check, the latest addition to the lineup of esteemed dermatology podcasts from Dermsquared™. In this exciting new venture for physician assistants and nurse practitioners, periodic timely episodes spotlight key special events, upcoming conferences, professional opportunities, and more. If you’re a PA or NP, The Spot Check is your go-to resource for staying informed, connected, and inspired. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of important happenings in dermatology.
Targeting Type 2: An extended look at dupilumab for AD, PN, BP, and CSU
The Spot Check
54 minutes
2 months ago
Targeting Type 2: An extended look at dupilumab for AD, PN, BP, and CSU
Targeting Type 2: An extended look at dupilumab for AD, PN, BP, and CSU
In this extended cut of The Spot Check, new host Jamie Restivo, MPAS, PA-C, welcomes Andrew Mastro, MS, PA-C, for a deep and dynamic conversation centered on dupilumab and its broadening role in dermatologic care.
Together, they unpack the science behind type 2 inflammation and the mechanisms that make dupilumab effective across eight FDA-approved indications, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis, bullous pemphigoid, and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Mastro offers a practical breakdown of type 2 cytokine activity and discusses how targeting these pathways drives disease control across skin, lung, and GI conditions.
The pair discuss first-line use of dupilumab in AD, emphasizing its safety profile, age range, comorbidity overlap, and role in preventing the atopic march. They also explore new territory with bullous pemphigoid, reviewing data from the ADEPT trial, the challenges of oral corticosteroids in elderly patients, and how dupilumab might offer a safer, targeted alternative.
Mastro shares thoughtful insights on treating prurigo nodularis, advocating for aggressive, empathetic care and cautioning clinicians not to delay treatment while waiting for biopsy results. He urges the importance of documenting thoroughly and recognizing PN even in the absence of nodules.
The episode wraps with a discussion on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), including diagnostic clarity, evolving treatment approaches, and patient expectations. They push back on outdated, exhaustive lab workups and advocate for focused history-taking and up-dosing antihistamines before initiating biologic therapy.
With clinical pearls throughout—including how to frame conversations with patients about long-term therapy, how to document for coverage, and when to lead with systemic options—this extensive conversation offers a masterclass in therapeutic decision-making, delivered with humor, heart, and high-level clinical insight.
The Spot Check
Introducing The Spot Check, the latest addition to the lineup of esteemed dermatology podcasts from Dermsquared™. In this exciting new venture for physician assistants and nurse practitioners, periodic timely episodes spotlight key special events, upcoming conferences, professional opportunities, and more. If you’re a PA or NP, The Spot Check is your go-to resource for staying informed, connected, and inspired. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of important happenings in dermatology.