Topical Vismodegib. Towards a Topical Application of a First-in-Class Antitumoral Agent

Abstract

Vismodegib (VDG) represents a pioneering Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor, with itsprimary clinical application being the treatment of non-metastatic advanced basal cellcarcinoma. Nonetheless, its oral administration is often associated with the onset of severeadverse effects. In light of this concern and with the aim of facilitating a topical VDGtreatment regimen, this study introduces the encapsulation and complexation of VDGwith a diverse array of nanoparticulate systems. These systems encompass both wellestablishedand novel approaches for topical administration. This innovative approachseeks to overcome the inherent challenge of the limited solubility of VDG, allowing fortargeted delivery directly to the viable epidermal tissue. Furthermore, these deliverysystems have demonstrated the potential to achieve notably higher local concentrationsof VDG compared to oral administration, all while minimizing the overall quantity of thedrug required.