Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma with Lymph Node and Pulmonary Metastases

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent form of skin cancer.
• Metastatic BCC is exceptionally rare, occurring in approximately 0.5% of cases.
• Historically, metastatic BCC treatment relied on chemotherapy, often platinum-based, with variable efficacy.

Observation:

• This case report details a 55-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with BCC on his left arm.
• The patient presented with advanced disease, including lymph node and pulmonary metastases.
• The patient received treatment with vismodegib, a small molecule hedgehog pathway inhibitor.

Findings:

• Vismodegib therapy resulted in a limited duration of remission for the patient.
• Despite treatment, the patient's metastatic basal cell carcinoma progressed.
• The patient ultimately died from the advanced cancer.

Implications:

• This case highlights the challenges in treating metastatic BCC, even with targeted therapies.
• The limited efficacy of vismodegib in this advanced case warrants further investigation into treatment strategies.
• Further research is needed to improve outcomes for patients with rare, metastatic basal cell carcinoma.