Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of carcinoma worldwide. BCC development is the result of a complex interaction between environmental, phenotypic and genetic factors. However, despite the progress in the field, BCC biology and mechanisms of resistance against systemic treatments have been poorly investigated. The aim of the present review is to provide a revision of BCC histological and molecular features, including microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, with a specific focus on the molecular basis of BCC systemic therapies. Papers from the last ten years regarding BCC genetic and phenotypic alterations, as well as the mechanism of resistance against hedgehog pathway inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib were included. The involvement of miRNAs in BCC resistance to systemic therapies is emerging as a new field of knowledge.

Translation of Polymeric Microneedles for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Trends, Progress, and Challenges

“…It can be found on the most exposed areas to the sun, such as the face, head, neck, and ears. Although it is not a hereditary disease, the people most susceptible to BCC are fair-skinned or those who have prolonged exposure to the sun [ 249 ]. Superficial BCC is a locally destructive skin tumor on the epidermis that can leave red scaly marks on the skin while other types can result in the formation of lumps [ 250 ].…”

Photodynamic Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Clinical Context for Future Research Priorities

“…Additionally, those suffering from genetic conditions associated with the development of multiple BCC, such as Gorlin syndrome patients, may also benefit from systemic anticancer therapies [ 41 , 42 , 43 ], while topical and systemic PDT can be effective [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Resistance mechanisms of BCC to systemic therapies, including those involving microRNAs, is an emerging field of study [ 6 ]. The combination of systemic therapies with PDT provides an elegant treatment option for patients with multiple BCCs [ 44 ].…”

“…The current review includes the evaluation of topical PDT applications in different patient populations and subtypes of BCC and comparison of the efficacy, cosmesis, and tolerability of topical PDT for BCC with alternative treatments, providing an overview of the current clinical position. Many ingenious ways of improving its effectiveness are being researched [ 5 , 6 ], and this review highlights the advances in knowledge of PDT for BCC treatment, including evidence from RCTs; it also draws attention to the gaps in the knowledge and indicates a range of relevant developments in research.…”

Repurposing of Drug Candidates for Treatment of Skin Cancer

“…BBCs are skin tumors produced by the abnormal growth of basal cells. It is the most frequent type of skin cancer ( 7 ), and they are curable in many cases when detected timely. On the other hand, SCC is the second most frequent skin cancer type; it develops in the squamous cells located in the epidermis ( 8 ).…”

“…Skin cancer management depends on the type; it is usually based on surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy ( 7 , 9 , 13 , 14 ). In this respect, oncological treatments have demonstrated some progress in the last years; however, current therapies still present various disadvantages such as little cell specificity, recurrent relapses, high toxicity, and increased costs ( 14 ).…”