FLD-103: A Non-invasive Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma with the Potential to Change Lives
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer and the most frequent form of all cancers. In North America, 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year. BCC results from uncontrolled growth of skin cells, commonly in long-term sun-exposed areas of the body. Patients affected by BCC commonly present lesions on the face, neck, scalp and arms.
The gold-standard treatment for BCC is surgical removal or excision, notably by performing the Mohs surgery, a procedure that involves cutting away layers of skin until there is no evidence of cancer. Surgical procedures frequently result in wounds that can take up to several months/years to heal and can leave permanent scars on visible parts of the body. A large proportion of patients develop multiple and/or recurrent BCCs and is not uncommon for BCC patients to undergo several surgeries per year, leaving them to cope with significant preoperative stress, psychological distress and long recovery time. Particularly people affected by Gorlin Syndrome (also called Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS)), a genetic disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing BCCs.
Feldan Therapeutics is developing an efficient, non-surgical approach to treat BCC called FLD-103. This first-in-class non-invasive intralesional treatment selectively targets BCC cells by disrupting an intracellular component involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. By minimizing side effects, avoiding scarring and the need for postoperative recovery, FLD-103 has the potential to become a life-changing treatment for patients suffering from BCCs.
