New treatments have been approved for for both actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. From Skin and Allergy News:
Actinic Keratoses
“The Food and Drug Administration approved two strengths of ingenol mebutate gel for the treatment of actinic keratoses Jan. 23.
The 0.015% formulation of ingenol mebutate gel (Picato) was approved for the treatment of lesions on the face and scalp once daily for 3 consecutive days; the 0.05% gel was cleared for once-daily treatment of the trunk and extremities for 3 consecutive days. The gel may be applied to the affected area, up to one contiguous skin area of about 25 cm2…”
“The Food and Drug Administration has approved vismodegib, an oral, once-daily medication for adults with locally advanced and metastatic advanced basal cell carcinoma on Jan. 30.
Vismodegib (Erivedge) is the first medication approved for metastatic BCC and was approved ahead of its March 8 statutory review date, according to a statement from the FDA.
The drug works by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, which is active in most BCCs. “Our understanding of molecular pathways involved in cancer, such as the hedgehog pathway, has enabled the development of targeted drugs for specific diseases,” said Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the FDA’s Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, in a statement…”