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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (2 results)

  • Article
Dermatology Online Journal, Volume 24, Issue 2 (2018)

Vismodegib is a small molecule inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway that has shown efficacy in the control of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma, although proof of its effectiveness in the elimination of aggressive tumors is lacking. We report a case and provide complete histological evidence of a 69-year-old gentleman who presented with a recurrent, infiltrative, and sclerosing (morpheiform) basal cell carcinoma on his left upper lip that was entirely eradicated with a three-month course of vismodegib 150 mg daily. Complete histologic clearance of a tumor in a recurrent, infiltrative, and sclerosing basal cell carcinoma with vismodegib is uncommon.

    Cover page: A case illustrating successful eradication of recurrent, aggressive basal cell carcinoma located in a scar with vismodegibCreative Commons 'BY-NC-ND' version 4.0 license
    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    UCLA Previously Published Works (2010)
    In cancer, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is ubiquitously referred to as an "oncogenic" pathway that promotes tumor progression. This review examines how the regulation and downstream effects of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in cancer varies depending on cellular context, with a focus on malignant melanoma. We emphasize that the cellular homeostasis of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling may represent a more appropriate concept than the simplified view of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway as either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing. Ultimately, a more refined understanding of the contextual regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling will be essential for addressing if and how therapeutic targeting of this pathway could be leveraged for patient benefit.
      Cover page: A Re-evaluation of the “Oncogenic” Nature of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Melanoma and Other Cancers
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