Hedgehog inhibitors (vismodegib and sonidegib) are specialised medications used to treat uncommon cases of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC), as well as selected patients with Gorlin syndrome.
Most BCCs are cured with surgery and never spread. However, in rare cases, the cancer can grow deeply into surrounding tissues (locally advanced BCC) or spread to other parts of the body (metastatic BCC). When surgery or radiotherapy is not suitable, has not been successful, or would cause significant functional or cosmetic problems, hedgehog inhibitor treatment may be considered.
These medications can be used to:
- Shrink the tumour before surgery or radiotherapy, making treatment easier and improving outcomes.
- Control advanced BCC, helping to slow tumour growth, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
- Reduce the burden of multiple BCCs in selected patients with Gorlin syndrome.
As with all medications, hedgehog inhibitors can cause side effects, including muscle cramps, changes in taste, hair thinning, reduced appetite, fatigue, weight loss, and they must not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of severe birth defects.
At Perth Dermatology Clinic, Dr Caccetta and Dr Collgros prescribe and monitor hedgehog inhibitor treatment for appropriate patients following specialist assessment and multidisciplinary review.
