Advances in Management and Therapeutics of Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma

Authors

Olivia M Chen
Keemberly Kim
Chelsea Steele
Kelly M Wilmas
Nader Aboul-Fettouh
Carrick Burns
Hung Quoc Doan
Sirunya Silapunt
Michael R Migden

Publication Date

7-30-2022

Journal

Cancers

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer in humans, is a malignant neoplasm of cells derived from the basal layer of the epidermis. Tumor characteristics such as histologic subtype, primary versus recurrent tumor, anatomic location, size, and patient attributes determine the risk level and acceptable treatment options. Surgical options offer histologic confirmation of tumor clearance. Standard excision provides post-treatment histologic assessment, while Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides complete margin assessment intraoperatively. Additional treatment options may be employed in the correct clinical context. Small and low-risk BCCs, broad field cancerization, locally-advanced disease, metastatic disease, cosmetic concerns, or morbidity with surgical approaches raise consideration of other treatment modalities. We review herein a range of treatment approaches and advances in treatments for BCC, including standard excision, MMS, electrodesiccation and curettage, ablative laser treatment, radiation therapy, targeted molecular therapies, topical therapies, field therapies, immunotherapy, and experimental therapies.

Keywords

Gorlin syndrome, Mohs surgery, basal cell carcinoma, basal cell nevus syndrome, cemiplimab, immunotherapy, sonidegib, vismodegib