Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
06:15
Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
1.7K
Vismodegib for periocular and orbital basal cell carcinoma
Harmeet S Gill1, Eve E Moscato2, Anne Lynn S Chang3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
JAMA Ophthalmology
|October 19, 2013
Summary
Vismodegib showed effectiveness in treating periocular and orbital basal cell carcinoma (BCC), with about half of patients achieving significant tumor reduction. Close monitoring for adverse effects and new skin cancers is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant eyelid tumor, often locally invasive.
- Untreated BCC can cause significant destruction to periocular and orbital tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of vismodegib for treating periocular and orbital BCC.
- To assess the feasibility of vismodegib as a treatment option for advanced eyelid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational case series of 7 patients with advanced periocular/orbital BCC.
- Patients received oral vismodegib (150 mg daily) until maximal response or intolerance.
- Lesion size reduction and adverse effects were primary endpoints.
Main Results:
- All 7 patients had locally advanced, recurrent BCC unsuitable for surgery or radiation.
- Complete or significant partial regression (>80%) observed in 57% of patients.
- Common adverse reactions included alopecia, dysgeusia, and muscle cramps; 29% developed new squamous cell carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- Vismodegib demonstrates potential efficacy and tolerability for periocular and orbital BCC.
- Approximately half of the treated patients experienced substantial tumor regression.
- Vigilant monitoring for secondary malignancies at uninvolved sites is crucial during vismodegib therapy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.7K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.7K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
285
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
285
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
66
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
66
01:30Skin Cancer
5.2K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
5.2K
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
7.7K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
7.7K