VISMO SAYS: I SCREEN, YOU SCREEN! MAY IS SKIN CANCER PREVENTION MONTH |
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The American Academy of Dermatology has designated May as Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, so add "Get a skin screening with a dermatologist" to your to-do list for spring and summer if you haven’t done so recently. Many skin cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding tanning beds. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays by applying (and re-applying) sunscreen to all exposed skin, and protecting your face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses. As part of Skin Cancer Awareness month, the vismodegib and vemurafenib (BRAF inhibitor) teams are co-sponsoring an information table. Find us at the following location between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM:
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WHAT'S THAT PURPLE HEDGEHOG DOING ALL OVER GENENTECH? SAY HELLO TO VISMO!  If you’ve seen a little purple hedgehog somewhere on the Genentech campus over the past months (and he's been hard to miss in some cases!), you’ve already met Vismo, the mascot for the Brand Team working on the new BioOncology investigational product, GDC-0449 (vismodegib) for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. When you see Vismo, think of the Brand Team members hard at work preparing for our 2012 launch. We've also been working on some fun and exciting ways to let you know more about vismodegib. So look for news and announcements in the upcoming months! |
 
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BASAL CELL CARCINOMA: THE BASICS |
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 c/o www.dermnet.com. |
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer worldwide. The risk of developing BCC increases with age and sun exposure, and occurs predominantly in people with fair skin. BCC tends to grow slowly and most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, trunk, arms, and legs. It may look like a pimple or a rough, scaly patch that doesn't go away or a sore that doesn’t heal.2 When found early, BCC is easily treated by removing the lesion.3
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| In some cases, BCC can grow into the surrounding tissue. If it is not treated, the lesion will continue to get larger and can become disfiguring. In rare cases, BCC can metastasize—spread to other organs of the body—and become deadly. Regular skin screenings by a dermatologist are the best way to ensure that any suspicious lesion is checked and, if necessary, biopsied and removed.2 The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that you "check your birthday suit on your birthday." Any new growths; anything that has changed in size, shape, or color; or even moles you've had all your life should be checked by a dermatologist on a regular basis.2 |
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FOR INTERNAL INFORMATION ONLY. NOT FOR PROMOTION OR DISTRIBUTION. References 1. Epstein EH. Basal cell carcinoma: attack of the hedgehog. Nat Rev Cancer. 2008;8:743-754. 2. American Association of Dermatology Web site. www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_basal.html. Accessed March 13, 2011. 3. American Association of Dermatology Web site. www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/skin-cancer/skin-cancer.html. Accessed March 13, 2011. Vismodegib is currently being researched in clinical trials and is not yet approved by the FDA. Note: For background information only. Not for promotional use. This e-mail is an update on our late-stage molecule that is currently being researched in clinical trials and is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of FDA policies, we will not promote this molecule prior to FDA approval. This communication is intended for internal information only and is not for promotions or distribution to external audiences, including Healthcare Providers. Please do not forward this e-mail. 
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