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Erivedge shows promise as treatment for radiation-induced multiple BCCs

Erivedge provided a significant clinical response and was a relatively safe alternative therapy for patients with radiation-induced multiple basal cell carcinomas, according to recently published study results.

Researchers in Israel conducted a prospective study of eight patients (mean age, 73.7 years; four men) with recurrent basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) treated daily with 150 mg Erivedge (vismodegib, Genentech) and a history of exposure to radiation therapy. The patients had been treated during a 19-month period.

There was a mean duration of 29 weeks for the vismodegib treatment, with a mean follow-up duration of 34 weeks. Seven patients had no serious drug-induced reactions; side effects included mild to moderate muscle spasm, dysgeusia and moderate to severe alopecia.

Four patients experienced lesion regression of at least 50% after treatments, considered partial response, while three patients experienced lesion regression of 20% or less, considered stable disease.

Vismodegib was discontinued in one patient who experienced severe drug-induced eruption, which was resolved after treatment with prednisone.

Small sample size and short follow-up were study limitations, according to the researchers.

“Vismodegib offers an efficient and relatively safe therapeutic alternative for recurrent radiation-induced locally advanced BCCs that are not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy,” the researchers concluded. – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.