Sumaira Z. Aasi, MD

All Publications

• Node-positive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Survival, high-risk features, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy outcomes. Head & neck Amoils, M., Lee, C. S., Sunwoo, J., Aasi, S. Z., Hara, W., Kim, J., Sirjani, D., Colevas, A. D., Chang, A. L., Divi, V. 2017

  Abstract

  Data lacks to guide treatment of regionally metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).We conducted a retrospective review of 80 patients treated for regionally metastatic cutaneous HNSCC. The effect of various clinicopathologic variables on overall survival (OS) was investigated, in addition to outcomes by treatment modality.On multivariate regression, cutaneous primary >2 cm (p = .03) and extracapsular spread (ECS; p = .01) were significantly associated with decreased OS. Location of regional metastasis (neck vs parotid vs both) had no effect on OS (p = .2), nor did the presence of a cutaneous primary at the time of presentation (p = .9). The 3-year survival was 43%, 52%, and 49% for surgery alone, adjuvant radiation, and adjuvant chemoradiation, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients had a recurrence of their disease.Regionally metastatic cutaneous HNSCC is an aggressive disease associated with high recurrence rates. Patients with tumors >2 cm and ECS have poorer OS despite adjuvant therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 881-885, 2017.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.24692

  View details for PubMedID 28252823

• Classification of basal cell carcinoma in human skin using machine learning and quantitative features captured by polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography. Biomedical optics express Marvdashti, T., Duan, L., Aasi, S. Z., Tang, J. Y., Ellerbee Bowden, A. K. 2016; 7 (9): 3721-3735

  Abstract

  We report the first fully automated detection of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most commonly occurring type of skin cancer, in human skin using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). Our proposed automated procedure entails building a machine-learning based classifier by extracting image features from the two complementary image contrasts offered by PS-OCT, intensity and phase retardation (PR), and selecting a subset of features that yields a classifier with the highest accuracy. Our classifier achieved 95.4% sensitivity and specificity, validated by leave-one-patient-out cross validation (LOPOCV), in detecting BCC in human skin samples collected from 42 patients. Moreover, we show the superiority of our classifier over the best possible classifier based on features extracted from intensity-only data, which demonstrates the significance of PR data in detecting BCC.

  View details for PubMedID 27699133

• Classification of basal cell carcinoma in human skin using machine learning and quantitative features captured by polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS Marvdashti, T., Duan, L., Aasi, S. Z., Tang, J. Y., Bowden, A. K. 2016; 7 (9): 3721-3735

  View details for DOI 10.1364/BOE.7.003721

  View details for Web of Science ID 000385416500045

• Management of High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. Current treatment options in oncology Fu, T., Aasi, S. Z., Hollmig, S. T. 2016; 17 (7): 34-?

  Abstract

  Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the USA, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) constituting approximately 20 % of all NMSC. While cSCCs typically behave in an indolent fashion and can be cured with local destructive or surgical methods, a small subset metastasizes and induces significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying and aggressively treating these "high-risk" cSCCs (HRcSCCs) is thus paramount. Recent improvements in staging cSCCs appear to offer better risk stratification than earlier staging criteria. Radiologic imaging and sentinel lymph node biopsy may be beneficial in certain cases of HRcSCC, although more studies are needed before these techniques should be uniformly incorporated into management. Surgery with complete margin control, such as that offered by the Mohs micrographic technique, represents the first-line treatment for these tumors. Radiation therapy is likely most beneficial in the adjuvant setting. Chemotherapy is typically best reserved for patients with metastatic or locally advance disease that is not controllable with surgical and/or radiation therapies. Newer targeted treatments, such as EGFR inhibitors and immunotherapies may offer greater efficacy in these settings, although further evaluation is needed.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11864-016-0408-2

  View details for PubMedID 27262708

• Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Solid Organ Transplant Patients: A Survey of the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative. Dermatologic surgery Wang, A., Chan, A., Aasi, S., Lee, C., Krathen, M. 2016; 42 (5): 682-683

  View details for DOI 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000668

  View details for PubMedID 27045747

• Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2016 JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK Bichakjian, C. K., Olencki, T., Aasi, S. Z., Alam, M., Andersen, J. S., Berg, D., Bowen, G. M., Cheney, R. T., Daniels, G. A., Glass, L. F., Grekin, R. C., Grossman, K., Higgins, S. A., Ho, A. L., Lewis, K. D., Lydiatt, D. D., Nehal, K. S., Nghiem, P., Olsen, E. A., Schmults, C. D., Sekulic, A., Shaha, A. R., Thorstad, W. L., Tuli, M., Urist, M. M., Wang, T. S., Wong, S. L., Zic, J. A., Hoffmann, K. G., Engh, A. 2016; 14 (5): 574-596

  View details for Web of Science ID 000375888500012

• Histopathologic assessment of depth of follicular invasion of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (SCCis): Implications for treatment approach JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Christensen, S. R., McNiff, J. M., Cool, A. J., Aasi, S. Z., Hanlon, A. M., Leffell, D. J. 2016; 74 (2): 356-362

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.060

  View details for Web of Science ID 000368272600022

• An investigator-initiated open-label clinical trial of vismodegib as a neoadjuvant to surgery for high-risk basal cell carcinoma JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Ally, M. S., Aasi, S., Wysong, A., Teng, C., Anderson, E., Bailey-Healy, I., Oro, A., Kim, J., Chang, A. L., Tang, J. Y. 2014; 71 (5): 904-U304

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.05.020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000343918200035

• An investigator-initiated open-label clinical trial of vismodegib as a neoadjuvant to surgery for high-risk basal cell carcinoma. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Ally, M. S., Aasi, S., Wysong, A., Teng, C., Anderson, E., Bailey-Healy, I., Oro, A., Kim, J., Chang, A. L., Tang, J. Y. 2014; 71 (5): 904-911 e1

  Abstract

  Vismodegib is an oral hedgehog-pathway inhibitor approved for advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Although most BCCs are amenable to surgery, excision of large tumors in aesthetically sensitive sites may compromise function or cosmesis.We sought to evaluate the reduction in BCC surgical defect area after 3 to 6 months of neoadjuvant vismodegib.This was an open-label, single-arm intervention trial with a primary outcome of change in target-tumor surgical defect area pre- and post-vismodegib (150 mg/d). Secondary outcomes were change in tumor area and tolerability.Eleven of 15 enrolled patients, aged 39 to 100 years, completed the trial. Thirteen target tumors were excised after a mean of 4±2 months of vismodegib. In all, 29% (4 of 14 patients) could not complete more than 3 months because of vismodegib-related side effects. The mean baseline target-tumor diameter was 3.2 cm, and 10 of 13 tumors occurred on the face. Overall, vismodegib reduced the surgical defect area by 27% (95% confidence interval -45.7% to -7.9%; P=.006) from baseline. Vismodegib was not effective in patients who received less than 3 months. Over a mean follow-up of 11.5 (range 4-21) months for all tumors, only 1 tumor recurred at 17 months post-Mohs micrographic surgery.Short follow-up time and no placebo control are limitations.Neoadjuvant vismodegib appears to reduce surgical defect area when taken for 3 months or longer for nonrecurrent BCCs in functionally sensitive locations. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are warranted.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.05.020

  View details for PubMedID 24929884

• Recurrent point mutations in the kinetochore gene KNSTRN in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma NATURE GENETICS Lee, C. S., Bhaduri, A., Mah, A., Johnson, W. L., Ungewickell, A., Aros, C. J., Nguyen, C. B., Rios, E. J., Siprashvili, Z., Straight, A., Kim, J., Aasi, S. Z., Khavari, P. A. 2014; 46 (10): 1060-1062

  Abstract

  Here we report the discovery of recurrent mutations concentrated at an ultraviolet signature hotspot in KNSTRN, which encodes a kinetochore protein, in 19% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Cancer-associated KNSTRN mutations, most notably those encoding p.Ser24Phe, disrupt chromatid cohesion in normal cells, occur in SCC precursors, correlate with increased aneuploidy in primary tumors and enhance tumorigenesis in vivo. These findings suggest a role for KNSTRN mutagenesis in SCC development.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/ng.3091

  View details for Web of Science ID 000342554100007

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4324615

• Recurrent point mutations in the kinetochore gene KNSTRN in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Nature genetics Lee, C. S., Bhaduri, A., Mah, A., Johnson, W. L., Ungewickell, A., Aros, C. J., Nguyen, C. B., Rios, E. J., Siprashvili, Z., Straight, A., Kim, J., Aasi, S. Z., Khavari, P. A. 2014; 46 (10): 1060-1062

  Abstract

  Here we report the discovery of recurrent mutations concentrated at an ultraviolet signature hotspot in KNSTRN, which encodes a kinetochore protein, in 19% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Cancer-associated KNSTRN mutations, most notably those encoding p.Ser24Phe, disrupt chromatid cohesion in normal cells, occur in SCC precursors, correlate with increased aneuploidy in primary tumors and enhance tumorigenesis in vivo. These findings suggest a role for KNSTRN mutagenesis in SCC development.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/ng.3091

  View details for PubMedID 25194279

• Single-stage turn-over muscular hinge flap with Burow's full-thickness skin graft to repair oral commissure defect. Dermatologic surgery Wysong, A., Aasi, S. Z. 2013; 39 (10): 1530-1534

  View details for DOI 10.1111/dsu.12216

  View details for PubMedID 23590278

• Comment on basal cell carcinoma rebound after cessation of vismodegib in an individual with basal cell nevus syndrome. Dermatologic surgery Ally, M. S., Wysong, A., Tang, J. Y., Aasi, S. 2013; 39 (9): 1413-1414

  View details for DOI 10.1111/dsu.12250

  View details for PubMedID 23682843

• Update on metastatic basal cell carcinoma: a summary of published cases from 1981 through 2011. JAMA dermatology Wysong, A., Aasi, S. Z., Tang, J. Y. 2013; 149 (5): 615-616

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.3064

  View details for PubMedID 23677097

• New Onset of Keratoacanthomas After Vismodegib Treatment for Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinomas: A Report of 2 Cases JAMA DERMATOLOGY Aasi, S., Silkiss, R., Tang, J. Y., Wysong, A., Liu, A., Epstein, E., Oro, A. E., Chang, A. L. 2013; 149 (2): 242-243

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.1798

  View details for Web of Science ID 000317672300031

  View details for PubMedID 23426496

• Atlas of Practical Mohs Histopathology Aasi, S. Z., Leffell, D. J., Lazova, R. Z. 2013

  View details for DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-5161-7

• Is Tanning Bed Exposure Associated With Aggressive Basal Cell Carcinoma? JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Gamba, C. A., Wysong, A., Million, L., Aasi, S., Kim, J., Tang, J. Y. 2012; 30 (32): E333-E336

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2012.42.1008

  View details for Web of Science ID 000310914800006

  View details for PubMedID 23008324

• Hemorrhagic complications in dermatologic surgery DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY Bunick, C. G., Aasi, S. Z. 2011; 24 (6): 537-550

  Abstract

  The ability to recognize, manage, and, most importantly, prevent hemorrhagic complications is critical to performing dermatologic procedures that have safe and high quality outcomes. This article reviews the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors and patient dynamics that are central to preventing such an adverse outcome. Specifically, the role that anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents, hypertension, and other medical conditions play in the development of postoperative hemorrhage are discussed. In addition, this article provides practical guidelines on managing bleeding during and after surgery.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01454.x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000303004600004

  View details for PubMedID 22515669

• Cosmetic concerns and management strategies to combat aging MATURITAS Robinson, D. M., Aasi, S. Z. 2011; 70 (3): 256-260

  Abstract

  Multiple modalities with varying degrees of complexity and risks exist in the treatment of the aging face. Paramount to all treatment paradigms is photoprotection to prevent further damage. Intervetions should be geared towards addressing the intrinsic and extrinsic signs of aging and can include topical retinoid therapy, superficial chemical and laser resurfacing, botulinum toxin and soft tissue fillers. The combination of these primary, secondary, and tertiary therapies will address the underlying pathophysiologic changes of the aging face and thus will provide the optimal aesthetic outcome.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.07.020

  View details for Web of Science ID 000296684900009

  View details for PubMedID 21873005

• Cancer of the skin Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology Reszko A, Aasi SZ, Wilson LD, Leffell DJ 2011; 9: 1610-1633
• Melanoma and Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Dermatology A Pictorial Review Aasi SZ, Cox KM 2010; 2: 193-206
• Commentary: Expanding the Donor Site Options for Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Dermatol Surg. Aasi SZ 2010; 36: 532-533
• Z-plasty made simple. Dermatology research and practice Aasi, S. Z. 2010; 2010: 982623-?

  Abstract

  A Z-plasty is a critical and reliable technique that is useful for scar revisions and correction of free margin distortion. A Z-plasty can help lengthen a contracted scar, change the direction of a scar so that it is better aligned with the relaxed skin tension lines, or interrupt and break a scar for better camouflage. This article will review the technique of a basic Z-plasty as well as provide case examples of its use in free margin distortion and scar revision.

  View details for DOI 10.1155/2010/982623

  View details for PubMedID 21789038

• Mohs micrographic surgery histopathology concordance Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Mohs-Micrographic-Surgery-and-Cutaneous-Oncology Mariwalla, K., Aasi, S. Z., Glusac, E. J., Leffell, D. J. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2009: 94–98

  Abstract

  The low recurrence rate and tissue-sparing benefit associated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) requires accurate interpretation of frozen sections by the MMS surgeon.We sought to assess concordance between dermatopathologists and MMS surgeons when reporting cutaneous malignancy in the MMS setting.This study is a retrospective analysis of 1156 slides submitted during 10 years as part of a pre-existing randomized, blinded, quality assurance protocol. Slides were read by one of 5 dermatopathologists and represent cases from 3 MMS surgeons and 5 MMS fellows. Agreement or disagreement was recorded.Of the 1156 slides, 32 slides (2.8%) were disparate. Aside from differences regarding intraepidermal neoplasia, the concordance rate was 99.7%.This study represents data collected at a single institution in the United States alone.There was statistically significant concordance between MMS surgeons and dermatopathologists in frozen section interpretation in the MMS setting. Discordance was primarily related to the interpretation of in situ malignancy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.09.061

  View details for Web of Science ID 000262261700010

  View details for PubMedID 19103361

• Skin cancer prevention and photo protection in organ transplant recipients Skin Diseases in Organ Transplantation Aasi SZ 2008: 295-301
• Dermatologic surgery: introduction to anatomy and approach Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine Aasi SZ, Pennington B 2008; 7: 2289-2301
• Free margin distortion Complications in Cutaneous Surgery Aasi SZ 2008: 95-114
• Cancer of the skin Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology Thomas VD, Aasi SZ, Wilson LD, Leffel DJ 2008; 8: 863-1888
• Dermatologic diseases and disorders Geriatrics Review Syllabus Aasi SZ 2006; 6: 309-319
• Multiple facial angiofibromas: A cutaneous manifestation of Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome Meeting of the New-England-Dermatological-Society Schaffer, J. V., Gohara, M. A., McNiff, J. M., Aasi, S. Z., Dvoretzky, I. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2005: S108–S111

  Abstract

  Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is an uncommon autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by a triad of skin tumors--fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons--together with an increased risk of renal tumors and spontaneous pneumothoraces. This report describes multiple facial angiofibromas as the predominant initial manifestation of BHDS. The patient had a total of 41 facial papules removed via shave excision, initially for diagnostic and then for therapeutic purposes; histologic evaluation revealed diagnostic features of angiofibroma in 39 lesions and fibrofolliculoma in only 2. BHDS should be considered, along with tuberous sclerosis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, in the differential diagnosis of multiple facial angiofibromas, particularly when onset is in adulthood.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.11.021

  View details for Web of Science ID 000231081400003

  View details for PubMedID 16021156

• Bilobed transposition flap DERMATOLOGIC CLINICS Aasi, S. Z., Leffell, D. J. 2005; 23 (1): 55-?

  Abstract

  This article reviews the indications and techniques for performing a bilobed flap for reconstruction of surgical wounds. Various examples of surgical defects where a bilobed flap can be used are shown. Possible complications and pitfalls are also reviewed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.det.2004.08.004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000226324900006

  View details for PubMedID 15620619

• Ellipse, ellipse variations and dog-ear repairs Surgery of the Skin Book SE, Aasi SZ, Leffell DJ 2005: 259-272
• Cancer of the skin Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology Aasi SZ, Leffell DJ 2005; 7: 1717-1744
• Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation: A case of 21 years' duration JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY Mehta, S., Aasi, S., Cole, R., Chu, P., Weinberg, J. M. 2003; 49 (5): S280-S282

  Abstract

  Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation is a rare condition characterized by asymptomatic pigmented macules involving the neck, trunk, and proximal portions of the extremities. Age at onset usually varies from 1 to 20 years. The lesions usually appear abruptly and remit spontaneously over months to years. An unusual case of a 24-year-old woman with idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation lasting 21 years was characterized by several periods of spontaneous resolution followed by recurrences.

  View details for DOI 10.1067/S0190-9622(03)00745-X

  View details for Web of Science ID 000186362900017

  View details for PubMedID 14576654

• Complications in dermatologic surgery - How safe is safe? ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGY Aasi, S. Z., Leffell, D. J. 2003; 139 (2): 213-214

  View details for Web of Science ID 000180971400012

  View details for PubMedID 12588228

• Dermatologic diseases and disorders Geriatrics Review Syllabus Aasi SZ, Cook B 2002; 5: 390-399
• Aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma J Am Acad Dermatol Yan AC, Aasi SZ, Alms DJ, Heymann WR, Paller AS, Honig PJ 2001: 696-699
• Autoantibodies to type VII collagen have heterogeneous subclass and light chain compositions and their complement-activating capacities do not correlate with the inflammatory clinical phenotype. J Clinical Immunol. Gandhi K, Chen M, Aasi SZ, Lapiere JC, Woodley DT, Chan LS 2000; 20: 416-423
• Successful correction of depressed scars of the forehead secondary to trauma and morpheme en coup de saber by autologous free dermal-fat graft. Dermatol Surg. Lapiere JC, Aasi SZ, Cook B, Montalvo A 2000: 793-796