Treatment of Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
Locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) is a distinct clinical presentation that poses challenges beyond routine surgical or radiation management. This protocol outlines the recommended approach for this specific scenario.
Advanced BCC encompasses both locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC. This protocol addresses patients presenting with locally advanced disease — where the extent or site of tumour involvement limits standard local treatment options such as surgery or radiotherapy.
For eligible patients with laBCC, the evidence-based approach centres on a targeted oral Hedgehog pathway inhibitor. The complete regimen — including specific agent selection, eligibility criteria, and management details — is available in the full protocol below.
References
- Advanced BCC includes locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC (mBCC).
- Hedgehog inhibitors should be offered to patients with locally advanced or metastatic BCC.
- Vismodegib and sonidegib are specific inhibitors of an oncogenic protein named Smoothened and are both approved by FDA and EMA for the treatment of patients with laBCC who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy; vismodegib is also approved for mBCC whereas sonidegib is approved for mBCC only in Switzerland and Australia.