In the past, traditional chemotherapy was the only systemic treatment for advanced skin cancer, but it often caused significant side effects. New targeted medications offer more effective options with fewer side effects, complementing regular skin checks and surgery for prevention and treatment.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but with early detection and proper care, it is highly manageable. At Skin & Beauty Center, our board-certified dermatologists provide advanced treatments, including oral skin cancer medications, offering a non-invasive alternative to surgery. We proudly serve patients across Los Angeles County, delivering expert, personalized care backed by extensive experience in skin cancer treatment.
What Are Oral Skin Cancer Medications?
Oral skin cancer medications are prescription drugs taken by mouth to treat specific types of skin cancer. These medications target cancer cells by directly inhibiting their growth or boosting the body's immune system to attack them. This treatment option is convenient, as it allows patients to take the medication at home and avoid surgical procedures or frequent clinical visits.
Patients with certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, may be prescribed oral medications. They can be used when cancer is advanced, recurring, or when surgery is not the best option.
Benefits of Oral Skin Cancer Medications
Oral medications for skin cancer come with several advantages:
- Non-invasive: These medications offer a treatment solution without the need for surgery or radiation.
- Convenient: Oral medications can be taken at home, making the treatment process less disruptive to daily life.
- Targeted therapies: Some oral drugs are designed to attack specific mutations in cancer cells, making them effective for certain types of skin cancer.
- Fewer visible side effects: Unlike surgery, which can leave scars, oral medications are non-invasive and often produce fewer visible side effects.
Patients who may not be good candidates for surgery or those with advanced cases of skin cancer can benefit from these treatments.
What Oral Medications Are Available for Preventing Skin Cancer?
While protecting your skin from UV damage is the most crucial step in preventing skin cancer, some oral medications can supplement these protective efforts:
- Nicotinamide (niacinamide): This is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to reduce the development of BCC and SCC by up to 23%. It is typically taken twice a day in 500 mg doses and is often recommended for individuals at high risk of developing skin cancers.
- Acitretin: A systemic retinoid used to prevent SCCs, especially in patients at higher risk, such as those who have undergone organ transplants. This medication requires careful monitoring because it can affect liver function and triglyceride levels. Side effects like skin dryness may also occur.
By integrating these medications into a comprehensive skin care routine, at-risk individuals may lower their chances of developing skin cancer.
What Oral Medications Are Available for Treating Melanoma?
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, making it critical to have a range of treatment options available. Beyond radiation or surgery, oral medications include:
- Immunotherapy: This treatment uses medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. Common agents include pembrolizumab and nivolumab, often combined with ipilimumab. These are typically administered via intravenous infusion.
- BRAF Inhibitors: For melanomas with a specific mutation (BRAF), treatments like vemurafenib and dabrafenib target this mutation. They are often combined with MEK inhibitors (trametinib) to minimize side effects and reduce the risk of developing SCC.
What Oral Medications Are Available for Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the U.S., and while it is often treatable with surgery, some cases require oral medications:
- Vismodegib and Sonidegib: These medications are “hedgehog inhibitors” that block a pathway responsible for BCC growth. They are prescribed for advanced or metastatic BCCs and can be effective for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
- Immunotherapy: For patients who cannot tolerate hedgehog inhibitors, cemiplimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, is an alternative treatment for advanced BCCs.
What Oral Medications Are Available for Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Similar to melanoma and BCC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can also be treated with oral medications, particularly in advanced cases:
- Immunotherapy: Medications like cemiplimab and pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitors) are often used when SCC cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. These medications help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Is Oral Skin Cancer Medication Right for You?
Determining if oral skin cancer medication is appropriate for you depends on several factors, including the type and stage of your skin cancer, your overall health, and how well you've responded to other treatments. At Skin & Beauty Center, our dermatologists will assess your unique condition and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Why Choose Skin & Beauty Center For Oral Skin Cancer Medication?
At Skin & Beauty Center, our team of board-certified dermatologists and specialists provide comprehensive care for skin cancer, including advanced oral medications. Our physicians are extensively trained in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care. We use the latest tools and techniques to offer the most effective treatments, whether through medication or surgical options like Mohs surgery.
With seven convenient locations across Southern California, we make accessing expert care close to home easy for patients. Our commitment is to treat your skin cancer and help restore your skin's health and natural beauty with the highest level of professional care.
Secure Your Skin Health in Southern California
If you're seeking expert care for skin cancer, Skin & Beauty Center is here to help. Our dermatologists are experienced in treating a wide range of skin cancers, including advanced cases that require oral medications. We offer personalized treatment plans for patients across Los Angeles County, CA, and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Contact us today at (818) 842-8000 to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options for oral skin cancer medications.
