Platinum-based cytotoxic therapy in basal cell carcinoma--a review of the literature.

Systemic cytotoxic therapy with platinum containing regimens has been reviewed in 53 patients with progressive disease of basal cell carcinoma. The overall response rate in 46 evaluable patients was 83% with complete remission obtained in 17 patients (37%), and partial remission in 21 patients (46%). Eight patients (17%) did not respond to platinum containing therapy. The median observation time was 26 months and the median time to progression 24 months. The median number of courses was 3 (range 2 to 12), and objective response was seen after median 2 courses (range 1 to 6). Platinum-based systemic chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, may be indicated as treatment of basal cell carcinoma when local therapy is inadequate, or in the rare cases with advanced lesions or metastatic disease.