Abstract
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common neoplasms in the Caucasian population. Molecular investigations in basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) have identified the hedgehog signaling pathway as being affected by various mutations. Mutations in sporadic BCC also affect the hedgehog signaling pathway, especially the Ptch1 molecule. There is significant evidence from mouse models for BCC carcinogenesis and early clinical trials that the hedgehog signaling pathway is essential to promote BCC initiation and persistence, and therefore is a perfect target for molecular interventions.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Reinhard Dummer receives research funding from Astra Zeneca, Novartis, Cephalon, Merck Sharp & Dhome, Transgene and Bayer and has a consultant or advisory board relationship with Astra Zeneca, Novartis, Cephalon, Merck Sharp & Dhome, Transgene, Genta, Bayer and Schering Plough. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.