DeCure's autonomous Dermatology AI scientist is researching a drug-repurposing hypothesis for reactive cutaneous fibrous lesion — screening already-approved drugs against its 5-gene Open Targets disease module to publish open-access research. Research is fast; the path to publication is funded in milestone stages.
Disease moduleReactive cutaneous fibrous lesion maps to a 5-gene Open Targets module — the target space DeCure's AI scientist screens approved drugs against.
DeCure.ai methodSignature reversal (LINCS) plus network proximity (STRING) rank already-approved drugs likely to perturb this module — the same engine that produces DeCure.ai's repurposing hypotheses.
Repurposing thesisScreening approved medicines against this disease module, then publishing the evidence for the strongest candidate. Known pharmacology and human exposure data make the first question sharper — they do not establish safety or efficacy in a new indication.
Research record
01
ResearchComing soon
Candidate research + dossier — target rationale, drug-repurposing thesis and evidence pack.proof: Published dossier + on-chain hash
02
ValidationComing soon
In-vitro biological validation at a contract research org (CRO).proof: CRO contract + in-vitro report
03
Peer review & paperComing soon
Peer-reviewed paper published open-access (preprint + journal).proof: DOI + open-access link + on-chain hash
Current lead
No approved-drug candidate for reactive cutaneous fibrous lesion is corroborated in the literature DeepSearch retrieved. Some conditions are managed with non-pharmacological care — a device, surgery or physical therapy — rather than a medicine; that may be the case here, or the literature we found may simply be too sparse yet to support a drug-repurposing angle.
Molecular view
dual specificity phosphatase 10 (DUSP10) — DUSP10 is one of the genes genetically linked to this disease in Open Targets — shown as context, not as a drug target we're pursuing: no approved-drug candidate for this disease is yet corroborated in the literature we found.
Loading structure…
helix sheet 10apdrag to rotate · scroll to zoom
RCSB Protein Data Bank · entry 7UMV · 1.8 Å · ligand 1-{[(10aP)-5,6-dihydropyrido[2,3-h]quinazolin-2-yl]sulfanyl}-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one (NUU). Experimental structure, not a prediction.
What the evidence adds up to
In a 2005 study of 50 patients with primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, 72% presented with multifocal skin lesions and 28% with solitary lesions. Solitary lesions were treated with radiotherapy or excision; multifocal lesions received various treatments, most commonly radiotherapy and chlorambucil. Cutaneous relapses occurred in 48% of patients who achieved complete remission, more often in those with multifocal disease. After a median follow-up of 36 months, only two patients developed extracutaneous disease and none died of lymphoma. The authors note that for cutaneous relapses, the benefits of treatment should be weighed against potential adverse effects.
A 2013 study examined the skin rash caused by the anti-EGFR drug gefitinib in cancer patients. The rash was associated with changes in plasma chemokines and leukocyte counts. In mice with epidermal EGFR ablation, skin lesions similar to the human rash developed, with early infiltration of macrophages and mast cells followed by eosinophils, T cells, and neutrophils. Crossing these mice with strains deficient in TNF-α receptors, MyD88, NOS2, CCR2, T cells, or B cells did not reverse the skin phenotype, but local depletion of macrophages provided partial resolution. The study identifies a macrophage contribution to this adverse effect of anti-EGFR therapy.
A 2019 case report describes a 67-year-old woman on long-term hydroxyurea for primary myelofibrosis who developed multiple nodular and keratotic lesions on both hands, followed by ulcerative lesions on hands and legs. Most wounds healed after hydroxyurea withdrawal, but a left ankle ulcer reached 9 cm × 7 cm and pathology confirmed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Radical surgery with below-the-knee amputation was suggested. The report emphasises close dermatologic follow-up for patients on continuous hydroxyurea.
A 2023 case series reports four patients with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa treated with tofacitinib as monotherapy, either upfront or as a corticosteroid-sparing agent after a refractory or relapsing course. All four achieved disease-free remission with improvement of ulcers and paraesthesia and gradual healing of skin lesions, albeit with scarring, and no relapse over a follow-up period of 6 months. The authors call for larger trials.
Evidence
Retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works and resolved on OpenAlex — ranked by citations, including the results that did not work.
Archives of Dermatology · 2005 · 186 citations · open access
Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma
AbstractBACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma that originates in the skin, with no evidence of extracutaneous disease. Studies focusing on the optimal treatment of PCMZL have not been published thus far. We describe 50 patients with PCMZL to further characterize clinical characteristics and outcome and, in particular, to evaluate our current therapeutic approach. OBSERVATIONS: The majority of the patients (36/50 [72%]) presented with multifocal skin lesions, and 14 patients (28%) presented with solitary or localized lesions. The initial treatment of patients with solitary lesions consisted of radiotherapy or excision, whereas patients with multifocal lesions received a variety of initial treatments, most commonly radiotherapy and chlorambucil therapy. Cutaneous relapses developed in 19 (48%) of 40 patients who had complete remission and were more common in patients with multifocal disease. After a median period of follow-up of 36 months, 2 patients developed extracutaneous disease, but none of the patients died of lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCMZL who have solitary lesions can be treated effectively with radiotherapy or excision. For patients with PCMZL who have multifocal lesions, chlorambucil therapy and radiotherapy are suitable therapeutic options. In case of cutaneous relapses, the beneficial effects of treatment should carefully be weighed against the potential adverse effects.
Science Translational Medicine · 2013 · 105 citations
Genetic Ablation of Epidermal EGFR Reveals the Dynamic Origin of Adverse Effects of Anti-EGFR Therapy
AbstractCancer patients treated with anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) drugs often develop a dose-limiting pruritic rash of unknown etiology. The aims of our study were to define causal associations from a clinical study of cutaneous and systemic changes in patients treated with gefitinib and use these to develop and characterize a mouse model that recapitulates the human skin rash syndrome caused by anti-EGFR therapy. We examined the patients' plasma before and after treatment with gefitinib and documented changes in chemokines and leukocyte counts associated with the extent of rash or the presence of pruritus. We established a parallel mouse model by ablating EGFR in the epidermis. These mice developed skin lesions similar to the human rash. Before lesion development, we detected increased mRNA expression of chemokines in the skin associated with early infiltration of macrophages and mast cells and later infiltration of eosinophils, T cells, and neutrophils. As the skin phenotype evolved, changes in blood counts and circulating chemokines reproduced those seen in the gefitinib-treated patients. Crossing the mutant mice with mice deficient for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptors, MyD88, NOS2, CCR2, T cells, or B cells failed to reverse the skin phenotype. However, local depletion of macrophages provided partial resolution, suggesting that this model can identify targets that may be effective in preventing the troublesome and dose-limiting skin response to anti-EGFR drugs. These results highlight the importance of EGFR signaling in maintaining skin immune homeostasis and identify a macrophage contribution to a serious adverse consequence of cancer chemotherapy.
World Journal of Clinical Cases · 2019 · 14 citations · open access
Hydroxyurea-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A case report
AbstractBACKGROUND: Hydroxyurea (HU) is a non-alkylating antineoplastic agent that is active in the S-phase of the cell cycle and inhibits the enzyme ribonucleoside reductase. HU is currently used to treat leukemia, sickle cell anemia, psoriasis, and chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Although HU is easy to use and effective and has high tolerance, there have been numerous reports of cutaneous complications during long-term therapy with HU. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 67-year-old woman on long-term HU therapy for primary myelofibrosis who developed concurrent skin lesions during treatment. The first skin lesion appeared on the dorsum of her right hand in 2015. Despite continuous use of HU, her cutaneous changes were neglected. Approximately 3 years ago, she had multiple nodular and keratotic lesions on both hands with sharp margins, branny desquamation, and dotted hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, she developed acutely numerous ulcerative lesions on her hands and legs. Topical wound therapy with dressing changes and parenteral antibiotics was applied for management of the lesions. Most of the wounds healed after HU withdrawal. Lesions on both hands were replaced by scabs. Nevertheless, the wound on her left ankle reached 9 cm × 7 cm in size in January 2018. Pathology confirmed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma at the ulcer area. In addition, her left foot was severely affected and radical surgery with a below-the-knee amputation was suggested followed by preventive right groin nodal dissection. CONCLUSION: In patients receiving continuous HU therapy, close dermatologic follow-up is critical for the early diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment for cutaneous lesions.
Rheumatology Advances in Practice · 2023 · 6 citations · open access
Tofacitinib as monotherapy in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: a case series
AbstractObjective: Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a distinct clinical entity represented by a chronic, relapsing, benign course, with rare systemic involvement. Treatment is with CSs, CYC or other conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). In this case series, we aimed to share our varied clinical experience of successfully treating patients with CPAN, with tofacitinib in a refractory/relapsing course or as upfront monotherapy without CSs/csDMARDs. Methods: We report this retrospective case series managed at our rheumatology centre in Bangalore from 2019 to 2022. Four patients identified as CPAN on biopsy were able to achieve disease-free remission with tofacitinib as part of their treatment, with no relapse on further follow-up. Our patients presented with subcutaneous nodules and cutaneous ulcers. After systemic evaluation, all the patients underwent skin biopsy, which showed fibrinoid necrosis in the vessel walls of the dermis, with a histopathological impression of CPAN. They were initially treated with a conventional approach of CSs with/without csDMARDs. On experiencing a refractory/relapsing course, tofacitinib was tried in all the patients as either CS sparing or upfront monotherapy without concomitant csDMARDs. Results: Use of tofacitinib resulted in improvement of ulcers and paraesthesia and in gradual healing of skin lesions, albeit with scarring, with no further recurrence or relapse over a follow-up period of 6 months for all the patients. The therapeutic effect of tofacitinib was consistent when used either as CS sparing or as upfront monotherapy, thereby proving the drug to be a promising option that warrants larger trials in future to treat the subset of patients with established CPAN. Conclusion: Tofacitinib could be used for disease-free remission as monotherapy for CPAN either upfront or as CS sparing, even without concomitant csDMARDs, in those patients who are dependent on CSs or multiple DMARDs.
Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics · 2018 · 3 citations · open access
Crizotinib-induced Photoallergic Dermatitis: A Case Report of an Unconventional Adverse Effect of a Novel Molecule
AbstractCrizotinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved globally for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) which is anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive. It is an ATP-competitive small-molecule inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinases, namely, c-Met, ALK, and ROS 1. Cutaneous toxicity is encountered in >50% of patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitors and they include acne-like (acneiform) rash, discoloration, dryness, and hyperkeratosis of the skin, perifollicular inflammation, acral erythema, panniculitis, paronychia, periungual splinter hemorrhages, alopecia, facial hypertrichosis, and changes in the structure of the eyelashes, hair, and nails. Crizotinib frequently results in gastrointestinal disturbances, visual impairment, peripheral edema, QT-prolongation, and liver enzyme elevation. Photoallergic dermatitis with crizotinib is rare. We hereby report a case of a 50-year-old male with ROS 1 positive metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung on crizotinib who presented with multiple well- to ill-defined erythematous plaques over both photo exposed and covered sites involving the face, neck, chest, shoulder, forearms, and dorsum of both hands. Based on the history, temporal association with the intake of the drug and histopathological evidence, a diagnosis of photo-allergic dermatitis was made. Lesions regressed in 4 weeks with the use of oral and topical steroids, emollients, and strict photoprotection. Regular, prophylactic, photoprotective measures in patients on photosensitizing drugs like crizotinib reduces the overall morbidity and improves their quality of life.
Archives of Plastic Surgery · 2025 · 1 citations · open access
Comprehensive Update on Keloid Management
AbstractKeloids remain one of the most challenging conditions in cutaneous wound healing, marked by complex pathophysiology and notoriously high recurrence rates. Although a universally accepted standard of care is still lacking, recent advances have significantly improved our understanding and management of this fibrotic disorder. Emerging evidence highlights genetic predisposition, prolonged inflammatory response, and aberrant fibroblast activity as key contributors to keloid formation. Current therapeutic approaches focus on multimodal strategies, including intralesional corticosteroids, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Intralesional triamcinolone remains a first-line treatment, while chemotherapy agents like 5-fluorouracil and vincristine have shown promising efficacy in refractory cases. Surgical excision, often combined with adjuvant therapies such as radiation, is considered for large or recurrent lesions. Given the high recurrence rate, patient-centered, evidence-based treatment algorithms are essential. Stratifying keloids into categories enables tailored interventions. Both established and emerging treatments are now evolving toward more personalized and less invasive approaches to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Multimodal, individualized treatment approaches-guided by lesion morphology, anatomical location, treatment history, and patient factors-are essential for optimizing outcomes. Emerging therapies are expanding the therapeutic arsenal, offering additional strategies for resistant or recurrent cases. Moreover, the integration of molecular and genetic insights is paving the way for the development of targeted therapies, which may ultimately transform keloid treatment into a more precise and effective discipline. Future studies should focus on large-scale trials to establish standardized, data-driven treatment guidelines for keloids.
American Journal of Medical Case Reports · 2022 · 0 citations · open access
Atypical Fibroxanthoma in Young Omani Teenager a Rear Presentation Case Report and Literature Review
AbstractCutaneous Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) typically occurs on the head and neck of sun-damaged areas in older Caucasians & itâs a diagnosis by exclusion of other malignant neoplasms with similar histopathology or morphology. In this case report and literature review, we report a much less common presentation as the first case to our knowledge of AFX on a teenage female with darker skin, this lesion on the dominant hand that needed re-excision in order to get a clear margin. A high index of suspicion of this less common type in a younger patient presenting with a cutaneous nodule is to be kept in mind to minimize the number of excisions and increase patientâs satisfaction.
Disease module: DeepOracle (Open Targets). Structures: RDKit from PubChem SMILES. Literature: retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works (targeted per-candidate search), resolved on OpenAlex.
DeCure is a research and publication project, not medical advice and not a treatment. "DeCure for X" describes a research goal, not a claim that a cure exists. Backing a cure is a contribution to fund the research — it is not an investment, and confers no yield, royalty, equity or IP ownership. Papers are published open-access by the DeCure.ai DAO.
