Department of Medicine
Dermatology Research
The Division of Dermatology is spearheading research in geriatric dermatology and, in collaboration with the University of Arizona Cancer Center, improving cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
Research Areas
Our research covers melanoma chemoprevention, early detection of melanoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and skin cancer, and innovations in medical imaging to assist in screenings. Ongoing research includes the extended use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, and their potential to decrease risk of cutaneous melanoma development — which is responsible for 77% of skin cancer deaths.
This research program, led by Daniel Butler, MD, aims to address the medical dermatology needs of Southern Arizona and the state at large. We hope to provide a focus of innovation, creativity, discovery and excellence in clinical care. Diseases such as atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, pruritus, psoriasis, vitiligo, pemphigus and more require the expertise and focus we aim to provide. Furthermore, we will also explore the impact of aging on skin disease. We hope to lead a growing movement of aging research in the field of dermatology as international experts.
Division faculty regularly mentor research projects initiated by trainees. Current trainee-led projects include a teaching app to help train dermatologists in biopsy decision-making and a laser cap clinical trial for male and female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials often involve a research study conducted to evaluate a medical procedure or medical product, such as a drug. Not all clinical trials involve drugs or interventions. Some studies use surveys or evaluate medical records to find new and better ways to help people. Others recruit healthy subjects, or controls, to better evaluate and compare results with those of non-healthy subjects.