Guest: Dr. Vishal Patel
Basal cell carcinoma is often considered the “easy” skin cancer, managed with a straightforward excision and quickly forgotten. But not every BCC follows the script. In this episode of the JDD Podcast, host Dr. Adam Friedman sits down with cutaneous oncology expert Dr. Vishal Patel to explore the patients who challenge that assumption and why recognizing locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) early can fundamentally change outcomes. Together, they unpack what truly defines laBCC beyond tumor size alone, discuss the clinical and patient factors that move a lesion outside the standard treatment algorithm, and examine when cutting can be…cut out. The conversation provides a practical review of Hedgehog pathway inhibition, including where sonidegib fits within the contemporary treatment landscape, key considerations for patient selection, counseling strategies that improve adherence, and practical approaches to managing treatment-related adverse events. Whether you routinely treat advanced skin cancer or simply want to better recognize when a “routine” basal cell carcinoma is anything but, this episode offers practical insights to help clinicians identify complex disease earlier, individualize treatment decisions, and rethink what success looks like for patients with locally advanced BCC.
Locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) can involve a range of clinical and patient-specific considerations. In this episode of the JDD Podcast, host Dr. Adam Friedman speaks with Dr. Vishal Patel, Director of Cutaneous Oncology at the GW Cancer Center, about evaluating and managing difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinoma. Their discussion covers factors that may inform treatment decisions, including tumor location, recurrence, previous procedures, comorbidities, access to care, recovery considerations, and patient preferences. They also discuss multidisciplinary care, systemic treatment options, including ODOMZO® (sonidegib), patient counseling, adverse reactions, and treatment monitoring.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including serious side effects, and the Medication Guide. [DP(1] This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. ODOMZO is a trademark of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2026 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. PM-US-ODZ-0943 09/26
