A phase II, multicenter, open-label, 3-cohort trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of vismodegib in operable basal cell carcinoma

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Jul;73(1):99-105.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.03.013. Epub 2015 Apr 24.

Abstract

Background: Vismodegib is approved for treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma.

Objective: We sought to characterize vismodegib efficacy and safety in operable basal cell carcinoma.

Methods: Patients with new, operable, nodular basal cell carcinoma received vismodegib (150 mg/d) followed by excision and Mohs micrographic surgery to ensure clear margins. Cohort 1 received vismodegib for 12 weeks; cohort 2 received vismodegib for 12 weeks, then 24 weeks of observation before excision; and cohort 3 received vismodegib for 8 weeks on/4 weeks off/8 weeks on.

Results: In all, 24 patients enrolled in cohort 1, and 25 in cohorts 2 and 3. Complete histologic clearance was achieved by 42%, 16%, and 44% of patients in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Muscle spasms (76%), alopecia (58%), and dysgeusia (50%) were the most frequent adverse events (AEs). Five (7%) patients discontinued treatment because of an AE. AE reversibility was evaluated in cohort 2 with 24 weeks of observation after treatment discontinuation.

Limitations: Nonrandomized, small cohort sizes, and short observation durations for some patients are limitations.

Conclusion: Primary efficacy end points were not met (predefined complete histologic clearance rate: >50% in cohorts 1 and 3; >30% in cohort 2). Safety was comparable when dosed continuously versus intermittently. Posttreatment reversibility of vismodegib-related AEs was demonstrated.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; hedgehog pathway inhibitor; vismodegib.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anilides / adverse effects
  • Anilides / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyridines / adverse effects
  • Pyridines / therapeutic use*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anilides
  • HhAntag691
  • Pyridines