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Development of squamous cell carcinoma into basal cell carcinoma under treatment with Vismodegib
Author(s) -
Saintes C.,
SaintJean M.,
Brocard A.,
Peuvrel L.,
Renaut J.J.,
Khammari A.,
Quéreux G.,
Dréno B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/jdv.12526
Subject(s) - vismodegib , basal cell carcinoma , medicine , hedgehog signaling pathway , basal cell , biopsy , imiquimod , cancer research , oncology , dermatology , signal transduction , biochemistry , chemistry
Abstract Background Basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ) is the most common cancer in humans. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has proved its effectiveness in treating non‐resectable advanced BCC . Aim However, its action on squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC ) is unknown. We present three SCC cases developed into BCC in vismodegib‐treated patients. Material and methods We have described three cases of patients developing SCC during treatment by vismodegib for BCC . Results Patient 1 was treated with vismodegib for five facial BCC . Due to the progression of one of the lesions at month 3 (M3), a biopsy was performed and showed SCC . Patient 2 was treated with vismodegib for a large facial BCC . A biopsy was performed at M2 on a BCC area not responding to treatment and showed SCC . Patient 3 was treated with vismodegib for a BCC on the nose. Due to vismodegib ineffectiveness, a biopsy was performed and showed SCC . Discussion Two similar cases have been described in the literature. This could be due to the appearance of the squamous contingent of a metatypical BCC or to the squamous differentiation of stem cells through inhibition of the hedgehog pathway. Conclusion In practice, any dissociated response of a BCC to vismodegib should be biopsied.