HeberFERON en el tratamiento de pacientes con carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo / HeberFERON in the Treatment of Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma on a High-Risk Zone

Introducción: El carcinoma basocelular es un tumor de invasión local de crecimiento; se origina en las células epidérmicas de los folículos pilosos o las células basales de la epidermis, cuando se localizan en zona de alto riesgo en la cara tienen un mayor índice de recurrencia tumoral y de invasión a estructuras adyacentes y subyacentes. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la aplicación del HeberFERON en pacientes con carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico e histopatológico de carcinoma basocelular en zona de alto riesgo, tratados con HeberFERON en la consulta del Policlínico Centro de Sancti Spíritus desde el 12 de enero de 2016 hasta el 25 de marzo de 2022. La muestra quedó conformada por 62 pacientes Las principales variables estudiadas fueron la respuesta al tratamiento y los eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, el área urbana, fototipocutáneo III y la edad mayor de 40 años. La localización más frecuente fue la nasal; el subtipo clínico el nódulo ulcerativo; el histológico, el sólido; el tumor primitivo y menor de 2 cm; la respuesta al tratamiento fue completa en la mayoría de los pacientes. Los eventos adversos más comunes fueron dolor y ardor en el sitio de inyección, edema y eritema perilesional, fiebre y cefalea. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes tratados con HeberFERON tuvieron una respuesta completa, los eventos adversos fueron los descritos en la literatura por el uso de interferones, sin cambio en la actitud farmacológica(AU)

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is a growing and locally invasive tumor; it originates in the epidermal cells of hair follicles or the basal cells of the epidermis. When located in a high-risk facial zone, they present a higher rate of tumor recurrence and invasion to adjacent and underlying structures. Objective: To evaluate the results of HeberFERON application in patients with basal cell carcinoma on a high-risk zone. Methods: An observational, descriptive and prospective study was conducted in patients with a clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma on a high-risk zone, treated with HeberFERON in the consultation of Policlínico Centro of Sancti Spíritus, from January 12, 2016 to March 25, 2022. The sample was made up of 62 patients. The main variables studied were response to treatment and adverse events. Results: There was a predominance of the male sex, the urban area, skin phototype III and age over 40 years. The most frequent localization was nasal; the clinical subtype, ulcerative nodule; the histological subtype, solid. The response to treatment was complete in most patients. The most common adverse events were pain and burning at the injection site, perilesional erythema and edema, fever and headache. Conclusions: Most patients treated with HeberFERON had a complete response; the adverse events were those described in the literature due to the use of interferons, with no change in pharmacological behavior(AU)

Vismodegib for treatment of periocular basal cell carcinoma - 6-year experience from a tertiary cancer center

Abstract Background: The treatment of advanced periocular basal cell carcinomas becomes a challenge as surgery may involve highly mutilating procedures. Vismodegib is the first selective hedgehog inhibitor approved for the treatment of locally advanced tumors or metastatic disease. Objective: Analyze the results of treatment with vismodegib for advanced periocular basal cell carcinomas in a real-life setting of a reference center between 2014 and 2020. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study. The patient's demographic profile, comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 13 patients were included. Median follow-up and treatment duration were 15.9 and 10.5 months, respectively. Objective clinical response rate was 76.9%: 30.8% had a complete response and 46.2% a partial response. The median duration of response was 13 months. Progressive disease was observed in 38.5% of cases, with a median of 19 months after the beginning of treatment. Eighty-four percent of the patients had at least one adverse event, and 61.54% needed to interrupt treatment temporarily or permanently to increase tolerability. Study limitations: Being a retrospective study in a real-life setting, the evaluation of objective clinical response was subjective to physician appreciation. Conclusion: Vismodegib is a safe and effective treatment for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma. To prevent recurrences, the drug should be used continually when tolerated. The role of neoadjuvant vismodegib before surgery is being investigated and might add an important step in searching for a definitive treatment for these cases.

Optimizing the effective doses of mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and their combination on cultivated basal cell carcinoma / Otimização da dose efetiva da mitomicina C, do 5fluorouracil e da combinação de ambos em culturas de células de carcinoma basocelular

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to optimize the effective doses of mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and their combination on cultivated basal cell carcinoma. Methods: Cultivated basal cell carcinoma and fibroblastic cells were treated with different concentrations of mitomycin C, 5-fluorouracil, and their combination. Cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and expression levels of TP53, CDKN1A, and CDK6 were investigated. The most effective drug with its optimum dosage was administered via multiple intralesional injections to a 65-year-old woman with advanced periorbital nodulo-ulcerative BCC. Results: The concentrations of 0.00312 and 0.312 mg/mL were considered optimum for mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, respectively. The mean viabilities of basal cell carcinoma treated with mitomycin C alone and its combination with 5-fluorouracil were significantly less than those of the controls (p=0.002 and p=0.04, respectively). The cell cycle of all the treated basal cell carcinoma groups was arrested in the S phase. The apoptotic rates (p=0.002) of mitomycin C treated basal cell carcinoma were higher than those of the other treated cells, and their TP53 was significantly upregulated (p=0.0001). Moreover, CDKN1A was upregulated, whereas CDK6 was downregulated in basal cell carcinoma treated with either 5-fluorouracil (p=0.0001 and p=0.01, respectively) or the combination of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C (p=0.007 and p=0.001, respectively). Basal cell carcinoma lesions were significantly alleviated following mitomycin C injections in the reported patient. Conclusion: Our in vitro results revealed that the effective doses of mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil on cultivated basal cell carcinoma were optimized. Mitomycin C was more effective in inducing the apoptosis of basal cell carcinoma than 5-fluorouracil and their combination. The intralesional injections of the optimum dose of mitomycin C could be proposed for the nonsurgical treatment of advanced eyelid basal cell carcinoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Otimizar a dose efetiva de mitomicina C, 5fluorouracil e da combinação de ambos em culturas de células de carcinoma basocelular (CBC). Métodos: Culturas de células de células de carcinoma basocelular e de fibroblastos foram tratadas com diferentes concentrações de mitomicina C, 5fluorouracil e combinação de ambos. Além disto, foram investigados a viabilidade celular, o ciclo celular, a apoptose e a expressão dos genes TP53, CDKN1A e CDK6. O medicamento mais eficaz, em sua dosagem otimizada, foi administrado em últiplas injeções intralesionais em uma mulher de 65 anos com carcinoma basocelular nódulo-ulcerativo periorbital avançado. Resultados: A concentração de 0,00312 mg/mL de mitomicina C e a de 0,312 mg/mL de 5fluorouracil foram consideradas as ideias. A viabilidade média das células de carcinoma basocelular tratadas com mitomicina C isoladamente e em combinação foi significativamente menor que nas células de controle (respectivamente, p=0,002 e p=0,04). Todos os grupos de carcinoma basocelular tratados demonstraram interrupção do ciclo celular na fase S. As células de carcinoma basocelular tratadas com mitomicina C mostraram maiores taxas de apoptose (p=0,002) e significativa regulação positiva do gene TP53 (p=0,0001). Além disso, o gene CDKN1A foi positivamente regulado e o gene CDK6 foi negativamente regulado em células de carcinoma basocelular tratadas com 5fluorouracil (respectivamente, p=0,0001 e p=0,01) ou com a combinação de medicamentos (respectivamente, p=0,007 e p=0,001). Injeções posteriores de mitomicina C na paciente em questão levaram à melhora significativa da lesão do carcinoma basocelular. Conclusão: Nossos resultados in vitro otimizaram as doses efetivas de mitomicina C e 5fluorouracil na cultura de células de carcinoma basocelular e mostraram que a mitomicina C tem mais eficácia na apoptose de células de carcinoma basocelular do que o 5fluorouracil e a combinação de ambos. Injeções intralesionais de doses otimizadas de mitomicina C podem ser propostas para o tratamento não cirúrgico do células de carcinoma basocelular avançado de pálpebra.

Tratamiento con HeberFERON® del carcinoma basocelular en la Atención Primaria de Salud en Cuba / HeberFERON® Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma in Primary Healthcare in Cuba

Introducción: El cáncer de piel es el tipo de cáncer más frecuente en el ser humano, el carcinoma basocelular es el más común de todos los cánceres de piel (80-90 por ciento). Excepcionalmente producen metástasis, pero pueden causar significativa morbilidad e involucran a edades más jóvenes, se tratan con éxito mediante cirugía, radioterapia, quimioterapia y crioterapia, generalmente en el nivel secundario de salud, sin embargo, estos tratamientos no siempre son posibles o deseables. El HeberFERON® es una combinación de interferones alfa y gamma humanos recombinantes, que ha mostrado producir efectos sinérgicos en la reducción de la proliferación de varias líneas de células cancerosas, esta formulación ha sido aprobada en Cuba para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular. Presentación de casos: Se presentaron tres casos con diagnóstico de carcinoma basocelular, localizados en la cara, tratados con HeberFERON®, en dos casos fue observada la desaparición de la lesión al finalizar la tercera semana de tratamiento. En el tercer caso, una mujer de 84 años de edad, al finalizar el primer ciclo de tratamiento, fue reducido el tamaño de la lesión tratada y desapareció otra lesión adyacente que no recibió directamente tratamiento, la lesión residual, en esta paciente, fue valorada por ultrasonido para determinar su extensión y profundidad, en los tres casos las reacciones adversas fueron leves y transitorias. Conclusiones: El HeberFERON® es una opción efectiva y segura para el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular en la atención primaria de salud en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: Skin cancer is the commonest type of cancer in humans. Basal cell carcinoma is the commonest of all skin cancers, accounting for 80 percent to 90 percent of all cases. Exceptionally, they metastasize, but can cause significant morbidity and involve younger ages. They are successfully treated by surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and cryotherapy, mostly at the secondary level of health. However, these treatments are not always possible or desirable. HeberFERON® is a combination of recombinant human alpha and gamma interferons, which has been shown to produce synergistic effects in reducing the proliferation of several lines of cancer cells. This formulation has been approved in Cuba for treating basal cell carcinoma. Case presentation: Three cases are presented with a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, located on the face, treated with HeberFERON®. In two cases, the lesion was observed to disappear at the end of the third week of treatment. In the third case, an 84-year-old woman, at the end of the first cycle of treatment, the size of the treated lesion was reduced and another adjacent lesion disappeared, which did not receive direct treatment. In this patient, the residual lesion was assessed by ultrasound to determine its extension and depth. In the three cases, the adverse reactions were mild and transitory. Conclusions: HeberFERON® is an effective and safe option for treating basal cell carcinoma in primary health care in Cuba(AU)

Seguridad del HeberFERON( en pacientes con carcinoma basal palpebral / Safety of HeberFERON in patients with basal cell eyelid carcinoma

Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad del HeberFERON( en el tratamiento del carcinoma basal palpebral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes con carcinoma basal palpebral, a quienes se les aplicó HeberFERON( perilesional, de enero del año 2013 a enero de 2018. La muestra quedó constituida por 20 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La dosis protocolizada fue de 3,5 x 106 UI, perilesional, dos veces a la semana por 5 semanas consecutivas. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, sexo, color de la piel, localización del tumor, así como tipo y grado de evento adverso. Para todas las variables del estudio fueron calculadas las frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: La población estudiada con carcinoma basal palpebral mostró mayor frecuencia entre los 60 y 79 años de edad (80 por ciento) y las lesiones se presentaron fundamentalmente en el párpado inferior (60 (). El eritema palpebral y el dolor en el sitio de la inyección constituyeron los eventos adversos oculares más frecuentes (95,0 y 70,0 por ciento respectivamente) y se presentaron en el 95 por ciento de los pacientes investigados. Los eventos adversos sistémicos (fiebre, artralgia y la cefalea) prevalecieron en el 100 por ciento de los casos, en quienes el grado de severidad fue leve. Conclusiones: El HeberFERON( en el tratamiento del carcinoma basal palpebral es una buena alternativa no quirúrgica; es seguro y bien tolerado(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the safety of HeberFERON in the treatment of basal cell eyelid carcinoma. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted of patients with basal cell eyelid carcinoma undergoing perilesional HeberFERON therapy from January 2013 to January 2018. The sample was composed of 20 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The protocol dose was 3.5 x 106 UI perilesional twice a week for five consecutive weeks. The variables analyzed were age, sex, skin color and tumor location, as well as adverse event type and degree. Absolute and relative frequencies were estimated for all the study variables. Results: The prevailing age group in the study basal cell eyelid carcinoma population was 60-79 years (80 percent). The most common lesion site was the lower eyelid (60 percent). Eyelid erythema and injection site pain were the most frequent ocular adverse events (95.0 percent and 70.0 percent, respectively), presenting in 95 percent of the study subjects. Systemic adverse events (fever, arthralgia and headache) prevailed in 100 percent of the cases studied, among whom the degree of severity was mild. Conclusions: HeberFERON is a good non-surgical alternative for basal cell eyelid carcinoma. It is safe and well tolerated(AU)

Tratamiento con HeberFERON® en pacientes con carcinoma basocelular del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Dr. Miguel Enríquez", La Habana / Treatment with HeberFERON® in patients with basal cell carcinoma at the "Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgery Teaching Hospital in Havana 2018

Introducción: cada año se reportan en el mundo entre dos y tres millones de nuevos casos del carcinoma basocelular, el cual puede tratarse de diversas formas, en dependencia de la variedad clínica, localización y tamaño de la lesión. Existen antecedentes del empleo exitoso del HeberFERON® como alternativa terapéutica para este tipo de cáncer cutáneo. Objetivo: caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente a los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON® en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Dr. Miguel Enríquez", de la provincia de La Habana. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal dirigido a caracterizar los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON®, durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por 49 pacientes, no se utilizó muestra. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, la edad máxima encontrada fue de 96 años, el fototipo cutáneo II fue el que prevaleció, mientras que el lugar de residencia habitual fue la urbana. Se encontró que, del total de casos estudiados, 47, eran tumores primarios para un 95,91 %; la localización más frecuente fue en las mejillas y 40 pacientes recibieron tratamiento previo con criocirugía, representando el 81,63 %. Conclusiones: la hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad de base que predominó. El subtipo clínico más frecuente fue el nodular, al igual que el histológico. La respuesta al tratamiento fue favorable en la mayoría de los casos tratados con HeberFERON®.

Introduction: between two and three million new cases of basal cell carcinoma are reported worldwide each year, which can be treated in various ways, depending on the clinical variety, location and size of the lesion. There is a history of successful use of HeberFERON® as a therapeutic alternative for this type of skin neoplasm. Objective: to characterize clinically and epidemiologically the patients with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFERON® at the "Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical Surgery Teaching Hospital in Havana. Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize patients with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFERON®, during the period January 2017 to December 2018. The universe consisted of 49 patients, no sample was used. Results: males predominated, the maximum age found was 96 years, skin phototype II prevailed, while the usual place of residence was urban. It was found that of the total of cases studied, 47 were primary tumors (95.91%), the most frequent location was on the cheeks and 40 patients received previous treatment with cryosurgery representing 81.63%. Conclusions: the predominant underlying disease was high blood pressure. The most common clinical subtype was nodular, as well as the histological one. The response to treatment was favorable in most of the cases treated with HeberFERON®.

Basal cell carcinoma: multimodal treatment and the role of neoadjuvant vismodegib

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It generally has an indolent course with low rates of metastasis and mortality. However, BCC is locally invasive and can cause significant morbidity due to destructive local spread. We report our experience with a patient who was referred to our skin cancer unit due to a previously neglected lesion on the parietal region of the scalp, which had developed for 7 years. The patient was prescribed vismodegib on the basis that surgery could cause excessive functional and aesthetic damage. The patient had an objective partial response after 20 months of treatment. He was then submitted to radical skin excision, leaving a large defect that was reconstructed using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The patient recovered well, and at the 1-year follow-up there were no signs of local recurrence. Our case demonstrates the value of vismodegib treatment prior to surgery in a locally advanced, high-risk scalp BCC and highlights the importance of an individualized and specialized approach with these patients, within a multidisciplinary team.

Carcinoma basocelular del rostro tratado con HeberFERON / Basal cell carcinoma of the face treated with HeberFERON

RESUMEN Fundamento: El carcinoma basocelular es el cáncer de piel no melanoma más frecuente, es un tumor de invasión local y crecimiento lento; su origen son las células epidérmicas de los folículos pilosos o las células basales de la epidermis; en ocasiones puede sufrir un crecimiento incontrolado, no responder a los tratamientos y ser causa de deformidad; las radiaciones ultravioletas son el principal factor en la génesis de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la aplicación de HeberFERON en una serie de casos con carcinoma basocelular del rostro. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo longitudinal en una serie de 32 casos clínicos de carcinoma basocelular del rostro que acudieron a la consulta de dermatología del Policlínico Centro. Se incluyeron aquellos con diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico e histopatológico. Se realizó una evaluación inicial, durante el tratamiento y 16 semanas después del mismo, se le administró 10.5 UI de HeberFERON 3 veces por semana hasta completar 9 dosis. Las variables fueron la respuesta al tratamiento y presencia o no de eventos adversos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, la piel blanca y la localización de la neoplasia en la nariz, se logró respuesta completa en la mayoría de los pacientes. Como eventos adversos se presentaron dolor en el sitio de inyección, fiebre y malestar general. Conclusiones: La respuesta objetiva al tratamiento fue favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes tratados con HeberFERON.

ABSTRACT Background: Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent non-melanoma skin cancer, it is a tumor of local invasion and slow growth; it has its origin from the epidermal cells of the hair follicles or the basal cells of the epidermis; sometimes it can suffer uncontrolled growth, not respond to treatments and cause deformity; ultraviolet radiation is the main factor in the genesis of this disease. Objective: To describe the results of the application of HeberFERON in a series of cases with basal cell carcinoma of the face. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in a series of 32 clinical cases of basal cell carcinoma of the face that attended the dermatology office of the Polyclinic Center. Those with clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathological diagnosis were included. An initial evaluation was carried out, during the treatment and 16 weeks after it, 10.5 IU of HeberFERON was administered 3 times per week until 9 doses were completed. The variables were the response to treatment and the presence or absence of adverse events. Results: Male sex, white skin and the location of the neoplasm in the nose predominated; a complete response was achieved in most patients. Adverse events presented pain at the injection site, fever and malaise. Conclusions: The objective response to treatment was favorable in the majority of patients treated with HeberFERON.

Dermatoscopy-guided therapy of pigmented basal cell carcinoma with imiquimod

Abstract BACKGROUND: Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to examine skin lesions with an optical magnification. It has been suggested as a useful tool for monitoring therapeutic response in lentigo maligna patients treated with imiquimod. OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of dermatoscopy as a tool to monitor the therapeutic response of pigmented basal cell carcinoma treated with imiquimod. METHOD: The authors designed a prospective study. Patients with pigmented basal cell carcinoma were included and data regarding the dermatoscopy features were collected following the Menzies criteria, prior to initiating the imiquimod treatment. Subsequent dermatoscopic evaluations were performed at weeks 4 and 8, following imiquimod discontinuation. RESULTS: Twenty lesions were included. The most common pigmented dermatoscopy features were large blue-grey ovoid nests (80%), followed by blue-grey globules (50%) and leaf-like areas (30%). No spoke wheel areas were observed. In 17 out of 20 patients, a response was noted during the first evaluation at 4 weeks, while the clearance was noted at the second check-up after 8 weeks. In two patients, the clearance was found at the initial evaluation at 4 weeks, while in one patient, the response remained unchanged. Blue-grey globules were the fastest to exhibit clearance (50% at week 4), followed by leaf-like areas (15%) and large blue-grey ovoid nests (6.25%). CONCLUSION: According to our results, dermatoscopic evaluation enhances the accuracy in the assessment of the clinical response to imiquimod in pigmented basal cell carcinoma.

Long-term recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer after topical methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in a dermato-oncology department

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most available studies on the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy focus on short-to medium-term results. Long-term data are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of photodynamic therapy with topical methylaminolevulinate to treat Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma in the clinical practice setting of a dermato-oncology department. METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma, and who received photodynamic therapy from 2004 to 2008. Treatment protocol and clinical follow-up were standardized. The primary endpoint was clinically observed recurrence in a previous photodynamic therapy-treated area. Descriptive and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 31 Bowen's disease lesions and 44 superficial basal cell carcinoma were treated, with a median follow-up of 43.5 months. Recurrence was observed in 14 Bowen's disease lesions (53.8%) and in 11 superficial basal cell carcinoma (33.3%). Significantly higher estimates for recurrence rates were found in patients with Bowen's disease (p=0.0036) or those aged under 58 years (p=0.039). The risk of recurrence was higher in patients with Bowen's disease than in those with superficial basal cell carcinoma and younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence should be considered when choosing to treat non-melanoma skin cancer with photodynamic therapy. Younger age and Bowen's disease were independent predictors for long-term recurrence, suggesting the need to establish an extended period of follow-up for this subset of patients.

Terapia fotodinâmica em carcinoma basocelular periocular: relato de caso / Photodynamic therapy in periocular basal cell carcinoma: case report

Os autores descrevem a aplicação de terapia fotodinâmica com cloridrato de aminolevulinato de metila (Metivix®) em uma paciente com carcinoma basocelular padrão misto (nodular e infiltrativo) em pálpebra inferior de olho direito. Os efeitos colaterais sobre o olho foram avaliados semanalmente. Foi submetida à biòpsia incisional com punch de 2 mm para controle de cura após 12 semanas de tratamento. O anátomopatológico revelou ausência de neoplasia. O tratamento padrão ouro reconhecido mundialmente é a exérese da lesão, porém a terapia fotodinâmica com cloridrato de aminolevulinato de metila (MAL) surge como uma opção terapêutica à cirurgia.

The authors report the use of photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate (Metvix®) in a patient with nodular and infiltrative basal cell carcinoma in the right lower eyelid. Side effects on the eye were evaluated weekly. After 12 weeks of treatment, to confirm cure the patient was submitted to a 2-mm punch biopsy, the anatomopathological findings of which were negative for neoplasia. Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate was shown to be an attractive alternative to surgical excision¯the current gold standard treatment worldwide.

Periocular basal cell carcinoma: cost of topical immunotherapy versus estimated cost of surgical treatment / Carcinoma basocelular periocular: custo da imunoterapia tópica versus custo estimado do tratamento cirúrgico

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the estimated cost of clinical and surgical treatment for basl cell carcinoma of the eyelid. METHODS: This was a pilot study of 12 patients with basal cell carcinoma receiving treatment with 5% imiquimod cream at the ocular plastic surgery center, medical school University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP, Brazil). The cost of clinical treatment was estimated based on the time of treatment and amount of medication consumed by patients in the home setting. The cost of surgical treatment was estimated by ophthalmologists with experience in reconstructive plastic surgery based on analysis of images of the same patients. Surgeons responded to a questionnaire with four questions about surgical technique, surgical materials required, estimated duration of surgery and type of anesthesia. RESULTS: Immunotherapy lasted from 8 to 12 weeks.All patients reported each coldstored sachet with 5% imiquimod cream lasted 3 days.According to the institution, a box with 12 sachets costs BRL 480.00. Patients required 1.58-3.11 boxes for complete treatment, corresponding to a total cost of BRL 758.401,492.80. Based on image analysis, surgeons evaluated surgery would require 1-3 hours. The estimated cost of surgery room and staff was BRL 263.00, to which the cost of supplies was added. Thus, the total cost of surgical treatment was BRL 272.61-864.82. On the average, immunotherapy was 57,64% more costly than surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant eyelid tumors are a common finding in clinical ophthalmology. Surgery is still the treatment of choice at our institution, but immunotherapy with 5% imiquimod cream may be indicated for patients with multiple lesions or high surgical risk and for patients declining surgery for reasons of fear or esthetic concerns.The ability to estimate costs related to the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors is an important aid in the financial planning of health care institutions. Further studies should evaluate the possibility of institutions equating the cost of immunotherapy and surgical treatment by acquiring similar but less expensive medications.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os custos do tratamento clínico e cirúrgico para carcinoma basocelular palpebral. MÉTODO: Neste estudo piloto, doze pacientes com carcinoma basocelular atendidos no departamento de Plástica Ocular do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP) foram tratados com imiquimode creme 5%. O Custo do tratamento clínico foi estimado baseado no tempo de tratamento e quantidade de medicação utilizada pelo paciente no domicilio. O custo do tratamento cirúrgico foi baseado na análise das imagens dos mesmos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento clínico, por Oftalmologistas experientes em cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva. Os profissionais responderam um questionário com quatro perguntas relacionadas à técnica cirúrgica, à quantidade de material gasto, ao tempo cirúrgico estimado e anestesia utilizada. RESULTADOS: O tempo de tratamento clínico variou entre 8 a 12 semanas.Todos os pacientes referem que um sachê dura 3 dias e armazenaram na geladeira. O valor informado pela instituição na compra do imiquimode creme 5% foi de 40,00 reais/sachê, portanto o custo da caixa medicação foi de R$ 480,00 a caixa.A média de caixas consumidas por tratamento variou de 1,58 a 3,11 caixas, portanto o custo do tratamento clínico variou de R$ 758,40 a R$1.492,80. Os cirurgiões avaliaram as imagens dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento clínico e informaram que o tempo estimado de cirurgia para cada paciente seria de 1 a 3 horas se a opção fosse cirúrgica.Foi estimado um custo de centro cirúrgico, incluindo espaço físico e pessoal de R$ 263,00 ao qual foi acrescido o valor do material que seria utilizado.Assim, observou-se que o valor variou entre R$ 272,61 a R$ 864,82 para o tratamento cirúrgico. O tratamento clínico em média foi de 57,64% superior ao tratamento cirúrgico. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões palpebrais malignas são responsáveis por uma porção importante na prática clínica oftalmológica. A cirurgia continua ...

Imiquimod creme a 5 por cento no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular superficial: experiência em Porto Alegre – RS / Imiquimod 5 percent cream in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: experience in Porto Alegre – RS

Em um estudo aberto, quatro pacientes foram selecionados para avaliação da eficácia do imiquimod creme 5% no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular superficial. Os pacientes utilizaram o medicamento no regime de uma aplicação diária, por 12 semanas. A taxa de resposta foi avaliada pela remissão clínica e histológica. O uso do imiquimod creme a 5% no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular resultou na remissão completa dos tumores neste estudo.

In an open label study 4 patients were selected in order to evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod cream 5% in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma. The patients applied the medication once a day for 12 weeks. The response rate was evaluated through the clinical and histological response. The use of imiquimod cream 5% in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma resulted in complete remission of tumors in this trial.

Terapia fotodinámica con metil aminolevulinato tópico en dos casos de carcinoma basocelular del pabellón auricular / Methyl-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma of the ear

La cirugía dermatológica sigue siendo la mejor indicación para el carcinoma basocelular; sin embargo, cuando afecta a áreas de compleja reparación quirúrgica, existen tipos histológicos que se benefician con nuevas terapias, como la terapia fotodinámica con metil aminolevulinato. Esto es de gran importancia para lesiones en el oído externo, principalmente en el pabellón auricular, ya que muchas veces su tratamiento requiere de colgajos o injertos de piel completa con gran dificultad técnica y resultados estéticamente insatisfactorios. La TFD usando metil aminolevulinato (MAL) tópico ha mostrado ser tan efectiva como la crioterapia o la resección quirúrgica en el CBC primario, pero con la ventaja agregada de una cosmética superior. En el presente artículo se muestran dos casos de CBC de pabellón auricular tratados con MAL tópico, cuyos resultados, tanto cosméticos como oncológicos, han sido plenamente satisfactorios a 19 meses de seguimiento.

Dermatologic surgery is still the best choice for basal cell carcinoma treatment. But, when the lesion is present in difficult to treat areas, there are histological types that benefit from therapies such as topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) using methyl aminolevulinate (MAL). This is of great importance for injuries in the external ear, mostly in the helix, as it often requires treatments or flaps of full-thickness skin grafts with great technical difficulty and aesthetically unsatisfactory results. PDT with MAL has proven to be as effective as cryotherapy or surgical resection in primary BCC, but with the added advantage of superior cosmetic results. We present two cases of BCC of the ear treated with topical MAL, whose results, both cosmetic as oncologic, have been fully satisfactory for over 19 months of follow-up.

Nova modalidade no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular periocular: imiquimode: [revisão] / New aproach to periocular basal cell carcinoma treatment: imiquimod: [review]

O carcinoma basocelular é a neoplasia mais comum da região periocular, sendo responsável por 90% dos tumores palpebrais. Sua incidência vem aumentando significativamente nos últimos anos. Embora de crescimento lento e raramente resultando em metástases, sua extensão e localização oferecem grandes dificuldades terapêuticas, quando envolve a região periocular. O tratamento cirúrgico é o de escolha para a região periocular, entretanto, novas modalidades de terapia têm sido propostas. As técnicas cirúrgicas reparadoras podem comprometer tanto a função palpebral (proteção ocular) como a estética da região. Atualmente, se destaca uma nova forma de abordagem clínica, os imunomoduladores tópicos. O Imiquimode creme 5% é o principal representante dessa nova classe de medicamentos, tendo sido amplamente estudado recentemente e tendo apresentado alto índice de eficácia no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular. A presente revisão tem, portanto a finalidade de realizar uma análise sistemática da literatura relevante em busca de artigos e trabalhos que comprovem a eficácia da utilização do imiquimode 5% creme no tratamento do carcinoma basocelular periocular.

The basal cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasia of the periocular region, being responsible for 90% of the eyelid malignancies. There has been a significant rate of increase of the neoplasia during the last few years. Although of slow growth and rarely enticing metastases, its extension and location offer great therapeutic difficulties when it involves the periocular region. The surgical treatment is the one currently used for the periocular region, however, new therapeutic methods have been proposed. The reparative surgical techniques might jeopardize so much the eyelid function (ocular protection) as well as the region aesthetic balance. Recently a new approach involving a clinical treatment using topics immune response modifier has been tried. Imiquimod cream 5% is the main representative of this new class of medications, it has been widely studied in the recent past and it has shown great effectiveness in the treatment of the basal cell carcinoma. The purpose of this current work is accomplishing a systematic analysis of the relevant literature that supports the use of imiquimod cream 5% in the periocular basal cell carcinoma treatment.

Supraestructure maxillectomy and orbital exenteration for treatment of basal cell carcinoma of inferior eyelid: case report and review.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent type of skin cancer in humans, with cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as important risk factor for development of the illness as such as severe solar burns during childhood or adolescence. BCC is mainly located on sun exposed sites, being head and neck the areas of more incidence; although nose, eyelids and periorbitary tissue are unfavorable due to cosmetic results that BCC involves. Tumors can be classified as: nodular, superficial, micronodular, morphea variety, infiltrating, pigmented, metatypic and fibroepithelioma of Pinkus. Several treatment options as surgical and non-surgical are available. The goal of treatment is complete excision of the tumor with preservation of surrounding structures in a way aesthetically acceptable. Mohs' micrographic surgery is the standard treatment for all non-melanoma skin cancer. Orbital exenteration is also used for treatment of malignancies of ocular tissues, mainly squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma and BCC. The tissue beneath the surgical site can be left for second-intention granulation or covered with a cutaneous implant of partial thickness. The case of a 77 year-old patient is presented with BCC of inferior eyelid of 14 years duration, formerly managed with radiotherapy and, due to recurrent illness and invasion to the maxillary antrum; he needed supraestructure maxillectomy with left orbital exenteration.

Actualización en el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular / Update in the treatment of basocellular carcinoma

El carcinoma basocelular (CBC) es el tumor maligno más frecuente que el ser humano puede presentar en la vida. Es un tumor cutáneo de lento crecimiento, con malignidad local, que excepcionalmente da metástasis. Los factores predisponentes más importantes son la historia de fotoexposición prolongada y el fototipo cutáneo. Se distribuyen en un 99 por ciento en individuos de raza blanca, y las edades de presentación fluctúan entre los 40 y 79 años en el 95 por ciento de los casos, afectando a hombres y mujeres en similar proporción (1). El 85 por ciento de los CBC se presentan en cabeza y cuello, y de éstos, un 25 por ciento a 30 por ciento se manifiestan en la nariz (localización más frecuente). Los subtipos histológicos más frecuentes en orden decreciente son el Nodular, Superficial, Micronodular, Quístico, Adenoide, Infiltrante, Pigmentado, Morfeiforme, y Metaatípico (2). En la presente revisión se analizan los métodos terapéuticos existentes; algunos con una vasta experiencia y otros aún en investigación. Para ello se han separado en métodos Quirúrgicos y no Quirúrgicos (Tabla 1) (3, 4).