Sonidegib in Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Monocentric Retrospective Experience and a Review of Published Real-Life Data

Simple Summary Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Some patients may develop locally advanced BCC with significant morbidity and with reduction in life quality. The employment of a Hedgehog inhibitor known as Vismodegib has already proven itself helpful in the management of laBCCs. Sonidegib is the most recently available drug approved for treatment of laBCCs that acts by inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway. Real-life data seem to show that efficacy and safety are similar to those already demonstrated in trials. Herein we report our experience with retrospectively collected data from laBCC patients treated with Sonidegib. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common skin cancer and locally advanced BCC (laBCC) refers to an aggressive, large, infiltrative BCC that cannot be treated by surgery or radiotherapy. Sonidegib is a Hedghehog inhibitor (HHi) indicated for laBCC. This is a monocentric retrospective real-life study of laBCCs receiving Sonidegib treatment. Although Sonidegib is widely used, since its approval by Food and Drug Administration in 2015, only a limited number of real-life experiences have been reported. Eleven patients, including four patients diagnosed with Basal Cell Naevus syndrome, received treatment with Sonidegib for laBCCs. Seven (63.6%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs) but only three had to discontinue treatment and were therefore excluded from the following results. Four patients (50%) achieved complete clinical remission (CR); in all cases the remission was confirmed by biopsy. Partial response (PR) was found in three patients out of eight (37.5%). One patient out of eight (12.5%) showed a steady disease (SD). None of the patients showed signs of progression during treatment with HHi. Sonidegib showed the same efficacy in treating laBCCs as already seen in trials. All four patients suffering from Basal Cell Naevus syndrome achieved disease control by being treated with Sonidegib. Consequently, we strongly advise the joint management of laBCCs through a multidisciplinary team whenever feasible.

Automated summary

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of malignancy. Locally advanced BCC (laBCC) is an aggressive form of BCC that cannot be treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Sonidegib, a Hedgehog inhibitor, has shown efficacy in treating laBCCs. This study reports the experience with Sonidegib treatment in laBCC patients using retrospectively collected data.