Basal cell carcinoma: A paradigm for targeted therapies

Jil Dreier, Lea Felderer, Marjam Barysch, Sima Rozati, Reinhard Dummer

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent cancer with increasing incidence over the last decades. Standard of care is surgical excision, upon which complete tumour clearance is achieved in most cases. However, a small subgroup of patients will have remnants of disease post-excision and require further treatment options. Over 90% of all BCCs carry a mutation in PTCH 1 or SMO, two conducting proteins of the Hedgehog pathway (Hh). Therefore, inhibition of the Hh pathway is a promising option for systemic first-line therapy. Vismodegib was the first developed of these small molecules, which was approved by the FDA in January 2012. Areas covered: The authors review current treatment modalities for BCC and discuss current developments in pharmacological therapy. The current literature including meta-analyses, the Cochrane database and registered as well as completed randomized controlled trials. Expert opinion: Hh inhibitors are a new promising treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic BCC. Phase I and II clinical trials with the Hh inhibitor, vismodegib, showed a significant reduction in tumour size and appearance of new tumours with relatively good tolerability. Nevertheless, further investigation on new molecules and the effectiveness of an intermittent dosing regimen is necessary.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1307-1318
Number of pages12
JournalExpert opinion on pharmacotherapy
Volume14
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Hedgehog pathway
  • LDE225
  • Smoothened inhibitor
  • Targeted therapy
  • Vismodegib

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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