Metastatic basal cell carcinoma: rapid symptomatic response to Cisplatin and Paclitaxel

• Published in: ANZ journal of surgery Vol. 74; no. 8; pp. 704 - 705
• Main Authors: Jefford, Michael, Kiffer, John D., Somers, Gino, Daniel, Fredy J., Davis, Ian D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Pty 01.08.2004
• Subjects: Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; basal cell neoplasms; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - secondary; cisplatin; Cisplatin - therapeutic use; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - drug therapy; Lung Neoplasms - secondary; Male; metastasis; Middle Aged; non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma; paclitaxel; Paclitaxel - therapeutic use; palliative care; Remission Induction; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1445-1433; 1445-2197
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03130.x

Background:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the community, although it rarely metastasizes. The literature reports less than 100 patients who have received chemotherapy for metastatic BCC. A further case of this rare disease is reported here. The pattern of disease in the reported patient was similar to that described in the literature, but the patient experienced a long period with untreated metastatic disease compared with that in the literature. Method:  The patient was treated with cisplatin in combination with paclitaxel. Literature review suggests this to be the first report of this combination. Results:  Rapid symptomatic response was achieved though late neurotoxicity occurred. Conclusion:  This regimen is an active combination for the rare patient with metastatic BCC. The combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel causes less neurotoxicity and may therefore be a superior regimen.