Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common, typically slow-growing malignancy of the skin that arises from the basal layer of the epidermis [1, 14]. It is the most frequent cancer globally and is strongly associated with cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure [13]. The defining molecular characteristic of BCC is the dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is essential for normal embryonic development but becomes inappropriately reactivated in these cells, usually through loss-of-function mutations in the Patched-1 (PTCH1) receptor or gain-of-function mutations in the Smoothened (SMO) protein [4, 8]. Pharmacological treatments for advanced BCC focus on inhibiting this pathway using SMO antagonists such as vismodegib and sonidegib, or utilizing immunotherapy like cemiplimab to enhance the anti-tumor response [2, 5]. While rarely metastatic, BCC can cause significant local tissue destruction if left untreated, making early detection and targeted intervention critical [7, 11].

Other names

Basal cell epitheliomaRodent ulcerUlcus rodensBasalzellenkrebsNon-melanoma skin cancer

Inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling pathway through Smoothened (SMO) protein antagonism, blockade of the PD-1 immune checkpoint to enhance T-cell response, and activation of local immune responses via TLR7 agonism [2, 4, 7].