title: Vismodegib for radiation-induced multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the scalp.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vismodegib has been approved for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Its use for postirradiation multiple BCCs has not yet been reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of vismodegib for the treatment of recurrent radiation-induced multiple BCCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with recurrent multiple BCCs treated with vismodegib and a history of exposure to radiation treatment were followed up prospectively at a tertiary dermato-oncology clinic during a 19-month period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight patients met the study criteria. Mean duration of vismodegib treatment was 29 weeks (range 2-52), and of follow-up, 34 weeks (range 8-64). Drug tolerability was acceptable in 7 patients, of whom 4 showed a partial response and 3 had stable disease. In 1 patient, vismodegib was discontinued soon after its initiation because of a severe drug-induced eruption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small sample size and short follow-up time are limitations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vismodegib holds promise for the treatment of the subpopulation of patients with radiation-induced multiple BCCs in whom therapeutic options have so far been limited.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel.
authors: Gil
authors: G
authors: Tauber
authors: Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel.
authors: Lev
authors: L
authors: Pavlovsky
authors: Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors: Eyal
authors: E
authors: Fenig
authors: Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Electronic address: hodake@post.tau.ac.il.
authors: Emmilia
authors: E
authors: Hodak
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000813:Anilides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000813:Anilides; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C538724:HhAntag691; D011725:Pyridines
keywords: Hedgehog; basal cell carcinoma; radiotherapy; skin cancer; tinea capitis; vismodegib