Sonidegib is a medication used to treat a type of cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Let's break down what Sonidegib is and how it works in simple terms.
1. **What is Sonidegib?**
Sonidegib is a type of medicine called a hedgehog pathway inhibitor. It's designed to target and block a pathway in the body called the hedgehog signaling pathway. This pathway plays a role in the growth and development of cells, including cancer cells.
2. **How does Sonidegib work?**
In basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway is often overactive, leading to the growth of cancerous cells. Sonidegib works by blocking this pathway, which helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. By targeting the hedgehog pathway, Sonidegib helps to shrink or control the growth of BCC tumors.
3. **How is Sonidegib taken?**
Sonidegib is usually taken as a capsule by mouth, once a day. It's important to take it exactly as prescribed by our doctor, and not to skip doses. Our doctor will determine the right dose for you based on factors like your overall health and the severity of your BCC.
4. **Who can take Sonidegib?**
Sonidegib is approved for use in adults with locally advanced BCC that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation therapy, or for those who have metastatic BCC, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It's not recommended for use in children.
5. **What are the side effects of Sonidegib?**
Like all medications, Sonidegib can cause side effects. Common side effects may include muscle spasms, hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and changes in taste. Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as muscle or joint pain, liver problems, or changes in heart rhythm. It's important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking Sonidegib.
6. **Monitoring during treatment:**
Our doctor will monitor you closely while you're taking Sonidegib to check for any side effects and to see how well the medication is working. They may order blood tests or other tests to monitor your liver function and overall health.
In summary, Sonidegib is a medication used to treat basal cell carcinoma by blocking the hedgehog signaling pathway, which is often overactive in BCC. It's taken as a capsule by mouth and can help shrink or control BCC tumors. Like all medications, Sonidegib can cause side effects, so it's essential to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have while taking it.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Sonidegib
your body as a big city, and inside it, there's a pathway called the hedgehog pathway. This pathway helps control how cells grow and develop, kind of like traffic lights in the city.
Now, in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a type of skin cancer, this pathway can go a bit haywire. It's like the traffic lights are malfunctioning, causing cells to grow out of control and form tumors.
Here's where Sonidegib comes in. It's like a superhero that blocks those malfunctioning traffic lights. By blocking the hedgehog pathway, Sonidegib helps stop the cancer cells from growing and spreading. It's like putting the brakes on the growth of the tumor.
So, in simple terms, Sonidegib works by blocking a pathway in the body that's driving the growth of cancer cells, helping to slow down or stop the cancer from spreading.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist