Targeted Therapy: Hedgehog Inhibitors in BCC

EP: 1.Prevalence of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC) & Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

EP: 2.Immunotherapy Landscape in cSCC and BCC

EP: 3.Immunotherapy and Radiation Therapy in cSCC and BCC

EP: 4.Immunotherapy Barriers: Multidisciplinary Approach in cSCC and BCC

EP: 5.Coordination of Care: Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Challenges in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

EP: 6.Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Best Practices for CSCC and BCC Management

EP: 7.Dermatologists and Immunotherapy: Managing Patient Expectations

EP: 8.Monitoring Immunotherapy Toxicities in CSCC and BCC

EP: 9.Staging Disease and Risk Stratification in CSCC and BCC

Now Viewing

EP: 10.Targeted Therapy: Hedgehog Inhibitors in BCC

EP: 11.Socioeconomic Implications of CSCC and BCC

EP: 12.Immunosuppression in CSCC and BCC Treatment

EP: 13.Updates in Therapeutics for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

EP: 14.Concluding Thoughts on the Future of CSCC and BCC Care

This is a video synopsis/summary of a Peer Exchange involving Jason Luke, MD, FACP; Christopher Barker, MD; Omid Hamid, MD; Vishal Patel, MD; and Catherine Pisano, MD.

Hamid discussed the importance of hedgehog pathway inhibitors in advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), though their toxicity often limits tolerability. He noted immunotherapy approval in BCC requires hedgehog inhibitor progression or intolerance. Barker explained these agents have higher response rates than immunotherapy in unresectable BCC. Thus, neoadjuvant hedgehog inhibitors can facilitate subsequent surgery/radiation in poor candidates by shrinking tumors, though durability is limited by toxicity. If local therapies remain unfeasible, checkpoint inhibitors are utilized. Barker cited an ongoing trial of neoadjuvant hedgehog inhibitors followed by combined inhibitors and radiation with promising early results, though comparison to neoadjuvant immunotherapy is needed. Luke asked whether radiation influences subsequent immunotherapy efficacy. Barker stated that while some hypothesize prior radiation may impact tumor sensitivity, available data does not suggest radiation therapy clearly alters checkpoint inhibitor outcomes. However, long-term effects of radiation on the tumor immune microenvironment warrant additional study regarding interactions with immunotherapy.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC® editorial staff.