Spotlight on vismodegib in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: an evidence-based review of its place in therapy

Abstract

Zoe Apalla,1 Chrysoula Papageorgiou,1 Aimilios Lallas,1 Elena Sotiriou,1 Elizabeth Lazaridou,1 Efstratios Vakirlis,1 Athanassios Kyrgidis,2 Demetrios Ioannides1 1First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University, 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece Abstract: Vismodegib is approved for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic (mBCC) or locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) that have recurred following surgery or for those who are not good candidates for surgery (risk/benefit ratio is against patient’s benefit, either because of the general condition or because of the expected morbidity from the surgery) or radiation therapy. This article provides an evidence-based review of its current place in therapy. Analytically, the clinical implications in the management of laBCCs and mBCCs and possible new indications, including the neoadjuvant use before surgical excision, are discussed, while in the end, the challenges regarding class-related adverse events and their optimal management are highlighted. Keywords: vismodegib, sonic hedgehog inhibitors, basal cell carcinoma, treatment, revie