A case illustrating successful eradication of recurrent, aggressive basal cell carcinoma located in a scar with

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Olivia M Lucero, Sarah Fitzmaurice, Curtis Thompson

  • 1Departments of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon.

Dermatology Online Journal
|April 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Vismodegib effectively eradicated an aggressive basal cell carcinoma. This case provides histological evidence of complete tumor clearance, offering hope for difficult-to-treat BCC cases.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vismodegib inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
  • It shows efficacy in advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
  • Complete tumor eradication evidence is limited.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old male presented with recurrent, infiltrative, and sclerosing (morpheiform) BCC on his upper lip.
  • This BCC subtype is known for its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional therapies.

Findings:

  • A three-month course of vismodegib (150 mg daily) resulted in complete eradication of the BCC.
  • Histological examination confirmed the absence of tumor cells, providing definitive evidence of clearance.
  • Complete histological clearance of aggressive BCC with vismodegib is rarely documented.

Implications:

  • Vismodegib demonstrates potential for complete tumor elimination in aggressive BCC subtypes.
  • This case highlights the importance of histological confirmation for treatment efficacy.
  • Further research into vismodegib for morpheiform BCC is warranted.

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