Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) Treatment Program

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are common types of skin cancers that originate from the epithelial cells (the skin’s upper layers) in contrast to melanoma, which starts in the melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin).

There are two main types NMSC:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the skin’s outer layer and often appearing as a small, shiny bump or nodule on sun-exposed areas.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type of skin cancer originates from squamous cells in the skin’s outer layer, typically presenting as a red, scaly patch or sore that may crust or bleed.

Traditionally, non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) have been treated with surgical excision, cryotherapy, topical treatments, radiation therapy, or photodynamic therapy. In Cuba, the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) has developed Heberferon, a groundbreaking biopharmaceutical product specifically designed to treat non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Heberferon: A Revolutionary Treatment for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Heberferon is a groundbreaking biopharmaceutical product developed in Cuba, offering new hope for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Heberferon is a unique therapeutic formulation that works by leveraging the synergistic effects of interferon alpha-2b and interferon gamma to enhance anti-tumour activity.

The combination of interferon alpha-2b and interferon gamma in Heberferon works through multiple mechanisms:

• Antiviral and Antiproliferative Effects: Both interferons have potent antiviral qualities and inhibit cancer cells from proliferating.

• Immune System Modulation: Heberferon enhances the body’s immune response, promoting the activation of immune cells that attack cancer cells.

• Anti-Angiogenic Properties: It reduces the formation of new blood vessels that tumours need to grow, effectively starving the cancer cells.

Benefits of Heberferon:

Heberferon offers several advantages when compared to conventional treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer, including:

• Minimally Invasive: Heberferon reduces the possibility of complex surgeries in high frequency areas of recurrences such as the ears, nose, eyelids and the periocular area. Furthermore, unlike surgical excision or radiation therapy, Heberferon is administered via injection directly into the tumour, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

• Reduced Recurrence Rates: Heberferon significantly lowers the likelihood of cancer recurrence compared to conventional treatments.

• Cosmetic Benefits: Because Heberferon attacks the tumour directly, it reduces scarring and maintains the skin’s cosmetic quality.

• Versatile Treatment: Heberferon is effective for various types and sizes of BCC and SCC, including those located in challenging areas like the face and scalp.

Application and Administration:

Heberferon is administered through intralesional injections, with the treatment protocol generally involving multiple injections over a few weeks, based on the tumor’s size and location. Patients receiving Heberferon therapy are closely monitored to evaluate their response and adjust the treatment as needed.

Side Effects and Considerations

Heberferon is generally well-tolerated, and has very little side effects, however, some patients may experience side effects such as:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, muscle aches)
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
• Mild gastrointestinal disturbances