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Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

Vismodegib: a hedgehog pathway inhibitor for locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas

Joesph F Sobanko, Jonathan Okman, Christopher Miller

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
    |October 3, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Vismodegib is a new oral medication that targets the hedgehog pathway, offering a novel treatment for advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Further research is needed to fully understand its long-term effectiveness and remaining questions regarding this BCC therapy.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Dermatology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent cancer in the U.S.
    • Most BCCs arise from aberrant hedgehog pathway signaling.
    • Current treatments for advanced or metastatic BCC are limited and often ineffective.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the mechanism of action of vismodegib.
    • To summarize clinical trial data for vismodegib.
    • To identify unanswered questions regarding vismodegib for BCC treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of published clinical trials.
    • Analysis of vismodegib's pharmacological action.
    • Synthesis of current knowledge on hedgehog pathway inhibitors in oncology.

    Main Results:

    • Vismodegib inhibits a critical protein in the hedgehog pathway.
    • The drug was approved by the FDA in 2012 for advanced BCC.
    • Clinical data demonstrates vismodegib's potential in treating advanced BCC.

    Conclusions:

    • Vismodegib represents a significant advancement in treating advanced and metastatic BCC.
    • Further investigation is required to address remaining clinical questions.
    • Vismodegib offers a new therapeutic option for patients with limited treatment choices.

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