Cell Signaling Changes Induced by Surgical Debulking May Improve Response to Smoothened Inhibitor Therapy
Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, such as vismodegib, are effective treatments for locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). However, recurrences are frequent upon treatment discontinuation. Our clinical observations suggest long-term remission for patients undergoing surgical debulking of exophytic BCCs prior to SMO inhibitor therapy. This study intends to correlate key oncogenic signaling pathways induced by surgical debulking with improved patient outcomes with SMO inhibitors.
Charlene Lam, M.D., M.P.H.
- The Pennsylvania State University
- Patient Directed Investigation Grant
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