Experiences with SMO Antagonist Vismodegib for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
September 2017
Studysummary The study reported that vismodegib showed significant effectiveness in treating basal cell carcinoma, particularly in patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or locally advanced BCC, but also highlighted substantial side effects, requiring careful management to prevent treatment resistance and maintain remission.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study focused on the use of vismodegib, a Smo inhibitor, for treating 11 patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) over 4 years. The group included 2 males and 9 females, with an average age of 73 years, and 36% had Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Vismodegib was administered for an average of 15 months, resulting in complete remission for 2 patients, while 5 others showed significant improvement despite side effects. However, 2 patients experienced a loss of efficacy after treatment suspension due to side effects. The main side effects included muscle cramps, dysgeusia, nausea, loss of appetite, and hair loss, which were managed with a combination of medications. The study concluded that vismodegib was effective in treating BCC but emphasized the importance of managing side effects to prevent therapy resistance and achieve long-term remission.
