Treatment of multiple unresectable basal cell carcinomas from Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Background: Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), which is also known by other names, including Gorlin-Goltz syndrome and multiple basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) syndrome, is a rare multi-systemic disease inherited in a dominant autosomal manner with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. The main clinical manifestations include multiple BCCs, odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, skeletal abnormalities, intracranial calcifications and facial deformities.

Patients and methods: A 31-year-old male diagnosed with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome with multiple unresectable facial BCCs was treated with the Hedgehog inhibitor vismodegib.

Results: After one month of therapy on vismodegib, there were significant reductions in the size of multiple BCCs on the patient's face. The patient remains on this therapy.

Conclusion: Hedgehog pathway inhibition is an effective strategy to treat unresectable BCCs from Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Although vismodegib shows some promising clinical results in the early phase of its use, there are concerns of possible resistance developing within months. Duration of therapy, role of maintenance treatment and drug modification to reduce resistance need to be explored in future case studies.

Keywords: Nevoid basal cell carcinomas; intracranial calcifications; odontogenic keratocysts; palmar and plantar pits.