Skin Cancer Champions Panel: Insights for Pharmaceutical Leaders

Patient and Caregiver Panel on Basal Cell Carcinoma

On October 16th, Skin Cancer Champions organized a patient and caregiver panel to offer a pharmaceutical leader meaningful insights into the lived experiences of those affected by basal cell carcinoma (BCC), especially as new drug developments emerge. The event was moderated by Emily Karn, a medical student at UMass Medical School and executive director at Skin Cancer Champions. The panelists included patients diagnosed with multiple BCCs and other cancers, such as Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Spindle Cell Sarcoma, Melanoma, Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Lymphoma, and Breast Cancer.

Panelists recounted their personal journeys, describing the progression from their initial diagnosis through subsequent diagnoses and various treatment plans. They explained how treatment choices were made collaboratively with surgeons and oncologists, emphasizing the focus on maintaining quality of life. The discussion highlighted both emotional and practical aspects of their experiences, with particular attention to the critical role caregivers play throughout the treatment process. The session underscored the importance of centering patients and caregivers in the development and delivery of new therapies.

Key Insights for Pharmaceutical Leaders

Each panelist contributed distinct perspectives aimed at informing the pharmaceutical leader. The consensus was that a cancer diagnosis and journey can become a way of life, and it is essential to treat every individual as unique. This philosophy extends to providing educational materials, support services, and tailored clinical treatment. One panelist, who had coped with multiple BCCs of varying appearances, emphasized the need for comprehensive educational materials and visual aids depicting BCCs, expressing that each diagnosis was unexpected as none of her BCCs looked the same. Such resources are crucial for patients, caregivers, and primary care physicians (PCPs).

Distributing educational materials to PCPs can be lifesaving, as these physicians may not frequently encounter skin cancer but are often the first point of contact for patients. By engaging PCPs, referrals to dermatologists for timely diagnosis can be accelerated. Advances in pharmacology offer hope for patients and caregivers, and the introduction of new drugs that treat cancer, reduce recurrence, or improve survivorship provides the prospect of a sustained and improved quality of life.

Panelists stressed the importance of accessible and well-publicized clinical trials, as participation can save lives and allow patients to contribute to future care. Clinical trials also support increased observation and can expedite additional treatments when required.

All panelists discussed the value of self-advocacy, the role of caregivers in preparing for and attending appointments and treatments, and the importance of working with the care team to develop the optimal treatment plan that supports the desired quality of life. One patient and his caregiver faced surgery as the standard protocol for treating his aggressive cancer that would have severely impacted his lifestyle, eliminating activities such as hiking, skiing, driving fast cars, and even climbing stairs. With support from radiation oncologists and oncologists, they developed a treatment plan involving daily radiation and participation in three clinical trials. Today, he is in remission from Merkel Cell Carcinoma and is preparing for another ski patrol season.

Panelists noted that treatments for skin cancers can cause various side effects. Clear protocols known to both oncologists and patients help mitigate these effects. For example, one panelist experienced a negative reaction to an effective topical treatment for BCC, which after the side effect became painful and difficult, was managed with steroids. With this knowledge, she advocated for a shorter treatment cycle and immediate access to steroids. Weighing treatment risks can ease decision-making; one panelist and his caregiver opted for a clinical drug therapy that affects thyroid function, reassured by the availability of long-standing, effective treatments for such side effects. Another panelist pointed out that patients with multiple cancer types receiving several therapies may need to discontinue a potentially life-saving treatment if a negative side effect arises from another therapy. Care teams must carefully evaluate how to proceed in these instances.

The panel proved valuable for patients, caregivers, and the pharmaceutical leader. Panelists appreciated having the opportunity to communicate directly with the pharmaceutical company. The pharmaceutical leader thanked the panel for sharing their experiences, which vividly illustrated the daily challenges faced by patients and caregivers. Hearing these stories reinforced the importance of the company's work and its commitment to raising awareness about the various skin cancers their medications treat, always prioritizing the needs of patients.

Skin Cancer Statistics and Types

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than five million cases are expected to be diagnosed this year. The National Institutes of Health reports that non-melanoma skin cancers, primarily basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, comprise 99% of these cases. Less common types include Merkel cell carcinoma, adnexal carcinoma, extramammary Paget's disease, sebaceous carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.