Smoothened Receptor Inhibitor Vismodegib for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy and Side Effects

This retrospective analysis of 11 patients treated with vismodegib for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) found that the drug was effective, with complete remission in three cases and good responses in others. However, side effects such as muscle cramps, dysgeusia, nausea, and alopecia were common and severe, leading to treatment suspension in some cases. Notably, therapy resistance was observed upon re-administration after suspension in laBCC patients, but not in NBCCS patients. The study highlighted the importance of managing side effects to prevent therapy resistance.