Abstract
The hedgehog pathway, consisting partly of patched-1 (PTCH1) and smoothened (SMO), is essential in the development of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). In 2012 vismodegib, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, registered for the treatment of advanced BCCs (aBCCs). In daily practice, vismodegib is also used for patients with basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS). This syndrome is caused by a germline or postzygotic mutation in PTCH1, and is therefore characterized by the early development of multiple BCCs. Although response rates to vismodegib is high, patients reported a many side effects. Due to these side effects, vismodegib is not ideal for the lifelong treatment of BCCs in BCNS-patients. Furthermore, a lot of aBCCs in non-BCNS patients develop resistance to vismodegib, which is caused by activating SMO mutations. Genetic analysis of the SMO gene can be relevant for the therapeutic prognosis. Nevertheless, new therapeutic developments are needed for aBCC and BCNS patients.
| Translated title of the contribution | The hedgehog pathway in basal cell carcinoma |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 12-14 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Dermatologie en Venereologie |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Basal cell nevus syndrome
- Hedgehog pathway
- Vismodegib