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Updated: May 3, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
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Smoothened inhibitors in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinomas

Rainer Kunstfeld1

  • 1Division of General Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Current Opinion in Oncology
|January 29, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors show promise for treating advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by targeting the Hedgehog pathway. While the field is rapidly evolving, new drug candidates are emerging for this cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • The Hedgehog pathway is crucial in the development of various cancers.
  • Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors disrupt the Hedgehog pathway and are investigated as anticancer agents.
  • Advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a significant target for novel cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical research developments in Smo inhibitors for advanced BCC treatment.
  • To assess the current landscape of Smo inhibitor drug candidates in clinical development.
  • To understand the therapeutic potential of Smo inhibitors in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical research on Smo inhibitors over the past 12 months.
  • Identification and categorization of drug candidates based on development stage.
  • Analysis of clinical investigation status for BCC.

Main Results:

  • The field of Smo inhibitors has evolved rapidly in the last year.
  • Thirteen drug candidates were identified: one marketed (vismodegib), eight in early-stage development (Phase I-II), and four not currently pursued for BCC.
  • Many previously promising compounds have been discontinued, with new candidates emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Smo inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic class for BCC.
  • Most Smo inhibitor candidates are in early development stages.
  • Successful candidates may reach the market in 5-8 years, pending further clinical trials.

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