Vismodegib – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Mechanism of Action

Mutations of the Hedgehog pathway may results in uncontrolled proliferation of skin basal cells. Vismodegib binds to and inhibits the transmembrane protein Smoothened homologue (SMO) to inhibit the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Vismodegib is an inhibitor of the Hedgehog pathway. Vismodegib binds to and inhibits Smoothened, a transmembrane protein involved in Hedgehog signal transduction.

Recent evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that aberrant reactivation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway regulates genes that promote cellular proliferation in various human cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit activation of Gli transcription factors have emerged as promising novel therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer. GDC-0449 (Vismodegib), orally administrable molecule belonging to the 2-arylpyridine class, inhibits SHH signaling pathway by blocking the activities of Smoothened. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GDC-0449 regulates human pancreatic CSC characteristics in vitro. GDC-0499 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic CSCs. This inhibitor also suppressed cell viability, Gli-DNA binding and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in pancreatic CSCs. GDC-0449-induced apoptosis in CSCs showed increased Fas expression and decreased expression of PDGFRa. Furthermore, Bcl-2 was down-regulated whereas TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5 expression was increased following the treatment of CSCs with GDC-0449. Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GDC-0449-treated pancreatic CSCs. Thus, activated Gli genes repress DRs and Fas expressions, up-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and PDGFRa and facilitate cell survival. These data suggest that GDC-0499 can be used for the management of pancreatic cancer by targeting pancreatic CSCs.

or

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. It has been previously shown that Hh-inhibitor cyclopamine (CYA) can reduce liver fibrosis in rats. However, CYA is not stable in vivo, which limits its clinical application. This study compares the antifibrotic potential of two known Hh antagonists, vismodegib (GDC-0449, abbreviated to GDC) and CYA. GDC is a synthetic molecule presently in clinical cancer trials and has been reported to be safe and efficacious. These drugs attenuated early liver fibrosis in common bile duct ligated rats, improved liver function, and prevented hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, thereby suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). While both CYA and GDC increased the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive liver cells in vivo, only CYA increased Caspase-3 expression in HSCs in rat livers, suggesting that while GDC and CYA effectively attenuate early liver fibrosis, their hepatoprotective effects may be mediated through different modes of action. Thus, GDC has the potential to serve as a new therapeutic agent for treating early liver fibrosis.

Indications

  • Vismodegib is used for treating locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma in patients whose carcinoma has recurred after surgery, and in patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiation.
  • Erivedge is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: symptomatic metastatic basal cell carcinoma locally advanced basal cell carcinoma inappropriate for surgery or radiotherapy
  • Vismodegib is a kinase inhibitor active used in the therapy of unresectable or metastatic basal cell carcinoma.
  • Erivedge capsule is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic basal cell carcinoma, or with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma that has recurred following surgery or who are not candidates for surgery, and who are not candidates for radiation.
  • Vismodegib is indicated for patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) which has metastasized to other parts of the body, relapsed after surgery, or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
  • Vismodegib is a hedgehog pathway inhibitor used to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma.
  • Vismodegib is used for treating locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma in patients whose carcinoma has recurred after surgery, and in patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiation.
  • Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Metastatic Basal cell carcinoma

Use in Cancer

Vismodegib is approved to treat:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). It is used in adults whose disease has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). It is also used in adults with locally advanced disease that has recurred (come back) after surgery or who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.

Vismodegib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Contraindications

Vismodegib is contraindicated in pregnant women or women who may become pregnant.

Boxed Warning of Embryofetal Toxicity

Embryotoxic effects include:

  • Craniofacial abnormalities
  • Anorectal defects
  • Fused or absent digits

Blood Donations – Patients should be advised not to donate blood or blood products during vismodegib treatment and at least 24 months after the last dose.

Important Special Warnings – Counseling of both males and females on vismodegib is necessary.

Women- Following a negative pregnancy test, initiate highly effective contraception before the first dose of vismodegib and continue for seven months after treatment.

Men – During treatment, and for three months following treatment, men should not donate sperm and should use condoms with spermicide (even after vasectomy) as vismodegib may be present in seminal fluid. This precaution is to avoid exposure to patients that may be pregnant.

Dosage

Strengths: 150 mg

Basal Cell Carcinoma

  • 150 mg orally once a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Withhold therapy for up to 8 weeks for intolerable adverse reactions until improvement or resolution.
  • Treatment durations shorter than 8 weeks prior to interruptions have not been studied.

EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY:

  • This drug can cause embryofetal death or severe birth defects when administered to a pregnant woman.
  • This drug is embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic in animals.
  • Teratogenic effects include severe midline defects, missing digits, and other irreversible malformations.
  • Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential within 7 days prior to initiating therapy.
  • Advise pregnant women of the potential risks to a fetus.
  • Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and after therapy.
  • Advise males of the potential risk of drug exposure through semen and to use condoms with a pregnant partner or a female partner of reproductive potential.

Administration advice:

  • This drug may be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow capsules whole; do not open or crush.
  • If a dose of is missed, do not make it up; resume with the next scheduled dose.
  • Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential within 7 days prior to initiating this drug.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • muscle spasms
  • joint pain
  • tiredness
  • hair loss
  • change in how things taste or loss of taste
  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • missed menstrual periods
  • Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
  • change in taste
  • constipation
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • difficulty with moving
  • hair loss or thinning
  • loss of taste
  • muscle spasm or stiffness
  • pain in the joints
  • stopping of menstrual bleeding
  • weight loss

More Common

  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • confusion
  • decreased urine output
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • headache
  • increased thirst
  • loss of consciousness
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • nausea
  • pain in the lower back or side
  • seizures
  • swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
  • thirst
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Rare

  • Black, tarry stools
  • blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • itching skin
  • joint or muscle pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • red irritated eyes
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • sore throat
  • swollen glands
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • yellow eyes or skin

Drug interactions

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Pregnancy and Lactation

FDA Pregnancy Category D

Pregnancy

Vismodegib capsule can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female based on its mechanism of action. Vismodegib is teratogenic in rats at doses corresponding to an exposure of 20% of the exposure at the recommended human dose (estimated AUC0-24hr steady-state exposure). In rats, malformations included craniofacial anomalies, open perineum, and absent or fused digits. Fetal retardations and variations were also observed. Vismodegib is embryolethal in rats at exposures within the range achieved at the recommended human dose. If vismodegib is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the  potential hazard to the embryo or fetus. Encourage women who may have been exposed to vismodegib during pregnancy, either directly or through seminal fluid, to participate in the vismodegib pregnancy pharmacovigilance program by contacting the Genentech

Lactation

No information is available on the clinical use of vismodegib during breastfeeding. Because vismodegib is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins, the amount in milk is likely to be low. However, its half-life is 4 days and it might accumulate in the infant. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during vismodegib therapy and for 24 months after the final dose.

How should this medicine be used?

Vismodegib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take vismodegib, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vismodegib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking vismodegib,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to vismodegib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in vismodegib capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids; certain antibiotics such as azithromycin (Z-Pak, Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), and erythromycin (E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, PCE); a medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and ranitidine (Zantac); and proton-pump inhibitors such as dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), lansoprazole (Prevacid, in Prevpac), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with vismodegib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • do not breastfeed while you are taking vismodegib and for 7 months after your treatment.

References

  1. www.accessdata.fda.gov%2Fdrugsatfda_docs%2Flabel%2F2012%2F203388lbl.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3RRVzT3hzRm-4Ks7NeGuK_
  2. www.accessdata.fda.gov
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612010.html
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vismodegib-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075421
  5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Vismodegib
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513360/
  7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vismodegib
  8. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/vismodegib.html
  9. CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
  10. NCI Thesaurus Tree
  11. Guide to Pharmacology Target Classification
  12. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
  13. PubChem
  14. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification
    Target-based classification of drugs
  15. NCBI