Vismodegib is indicated for people with basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) which has metastasized to other parts of the body, relapsed after surgery, or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.[4][6]
Mechanism of action
The substance acts as a cyclopamine-competitive antagonist of the smoothened receptor (SMO) which is part of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.[5] SMO inhibition causes the transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2 to remain inactive, which prevents the expression of tumor mediating genes within the hedgehog pathway.[7] This pathway is pathogenetically relevant in more than 90% of basal-cell carcinomas.[8]
Side effects
In clinical trials, common side effects included gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation), muscle spasms, fatigue, hair loss, and dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of taste).[3]
Development
Vismodegib has undergone several promising phase I and phase II clinical trials for its use in treating medulloblastoma.[9]
References
^ ab"Erivedge® (vismodegib)". Australian Prescribing Information, Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Roche Products Pty Limited. 17 November 2022.