Giant primary basal cell carcinoma with fatal hepatic metastases

Markedly improved overall survival in 10 consecutive patients with metastatic basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare but life-threatening condition. Prior estimates of overall survival (OS) from time of diagnosis of distant metastasis to death are approximately 8-14 months. However, these estimates are based on analyses of case reports published prior to 1984.

OBJECTIVES

To assess an updated OS in patients with metastatic BCC at a single academic institution.

METHODS

Using patients seen from 1997 to 2011, a retrospective chart review was performed on biopsy-confirmed cases of distant metastatic BCC at Stanford University School of Medicine. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine OS and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Ten consecutive cases of distant metastatic BCC were identified. Median OS was 7·3 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·6-∞]; median PFS was 3·4 years (95% CI 1·1-5·2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that OS in patients with distant metastatic BCC may be more favourable than previously reported.