Injectable Treatment Tested for Basal Cell Carcinoma
A new intralesional injection shows potential for treating basal cell carcinoma before surgical removal.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
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Researchers have tested a novel intralesional injection, BO-112, in a phase 2b trial for patients with basal cell carcinoma. The study examined whether the treatment could improve outcomes for patients undergoing subsequent surgical excision.
Why it matters
This approach aims to improve the management of basal cell carcinoma by potentially shrinking or treating the lesion before surgery. Researchers conducted the trial to determine if the intralesional therapy provides a safe and effective adjuvant treatment option.
In a phase 2b trial of 50 patients with basal cell carcinoma, 61 percent achieved the composite primary end point after receiving three once-weekly intralesional BO-112 injections. While 91 percent of treatment-related adverse events were reported as mild, these findings remain preliminary.
The details
Patients in the trial received three once-weekly intralesional injections of BO-112 before undergoing complete surgical excision of the tumor. The study sought to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the injection as a pre-surgical intervention, with high-risk patients showing a 58 percent response rate and low-risk patients reaching a 70 percent response rate.
Timeline
Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2026: European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology annual meeting held.
Oct. 7, 2026: Study results presented.
Health Landscape
This research follows a growing pattern of investigating neoadjuvant therapies designed to shrink tumors before surgical intervention in dermatology. It highlights ongoing efforts to refine the standard of care for non-melanoma skin cancers through localized, targeted treatments.
For patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, this trial suggests that localized injectable therapies may eventually play a role in pre-surgical care. Discuss current standard treatment options and the eligibility for clinical trials with your dermatologist.
The takeaway
This trial shows that a majority of participants responded to intralesional injections before surgery with mostly mild side effects. If you have concerns about skin cancer treatment, talk with your doctor about the most effective, evidence-based surgical or non-surgical options available.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in skin cancer management in our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healthday.
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