Vismodegib is a medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It belongs to a group of drugs called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking a pathway in the body that is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Skin cancer can be caused by changes in the DNA of skin cells, leading them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. Vismodegib targets a specific protein in the body called the hedgehog pathway. This pathway plays a role in regulating cell growth and development. When this pathway is overactive, it can contribute to the development of cancer.
By blocking the hedgehog pathway, vismodegib helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells in the skin. This can help shrink tumors and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
Vismodegib is primarily used to treat two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC). BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, and it usually develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms. MBCC occurs when BCC spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or internal organs.
Vismodegib is available in the form of a capsule, which is taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Our doctor will determine the appropriate dose of vismodegib based on factors such as your age, weight, and the severity of your cancer.
Like all medications, vismodegib can cause side effects. Some common side effects of vismodegib include muscle spasms, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in taste. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can often be managed with supportive care or adjustments to the dose.
In some cases, vismodegib can cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. These may include severe muscle pain or weakness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking vismodegib, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Before starting treatment with vismodegib, it is important to tell our doctor about any other medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with vismodegib and cause potentially harmful effects.
In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take vismodegib, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus or newborn baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to discuss your options with our doctor.
Overall, vismodegib is an important treatment option for certain types of skin cancer. By targeting the hedgehog pathway, it helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, providing hope for patients with this disease. If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or metastatic basal cell carcinoma, talk to your doctor to see if vismodegib may be right for you.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Vismodegib
Vismodegib is like a superhero for fighting skin cancer. It works by targeting a pathway in our body called the hedgehog pathway. Now, imagine this pathway as a road where signals travel to tell cells what to do. Sometimes, in skin cancer, this road gets jammed with too many signals, causing cells to grow out of control.
Where vismodegib steps in. It's like a traffic cop that blocks the road, stopping those extra signals from causing chaos. By blocking the hedgehog pathway, vismodegib helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells in the skin.
Vismodegib is a medicine that helps keep skin cancer cells in check by stopping them from getting the wrong signals to grow too much. It's an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, giving patients hope for better days ahead.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist