Emerging therapeutic options for periorbital and orbital cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinomas

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Recently, several new therapies have emerged to address locally advanced cutaneous basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Given the constraints of the ocular adnexa and orbit, this review was designed to discuss the role of these modalities in this region.

Methods

A PubMed search was carried out to analyze the utility of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies to address these malignancies. The data presented in the identified investigations were analyzed and abstracted.

Results

Multiple novel interventions may be useful in the management of periocular cutaneous basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, including imiquimod, hedgehog inhibitors, and immunotherapy. While many of these treatments have not been specifically explored in the orbit and ocular adnexa, the literature generally shows favorable response rates. However, adverse events were common in these studies.

Conclusions

Several novel treatments may address periorbital cutaneous malignancies, and these therapies may be particularly useful in patients with unresectable disease and those who are poor surgical candidates.

KEYWORDS:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• imiquimod
• hedgehog inhibitors
• immunotherapy

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.