Electroporation provides non-viral gene delivery method for plasmid DNA. Its clinical application was already proven in preclinical and in clinical trial in treatment of melanoma skin metastases with plasmid coding IL-12, in USA. Intratumoral gene transfer of plasmid coding for IL-12 has proven safe end effective, having good local tumour control and some evidence indicates on abscopal effect. The EU directives recommend the use of plasmids without the gene for antibiotic resistance. For this purpose we constructed plasmid coding for IL-12 in accordance with the EU regulatory requirements.

In the proposed study we intend to study the safety and tolerability of the constructed plasmid, phIL12, in treatment of basal cell carcinomas in patients with operable tumors in head and neck region. The study is designed as exploratory, dose escalating with the aim to determine the dose of plasmid that produces IL-12 expression in the tumours with best biological activity, infiltration of the immune cells and no toxicity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed, previously untreated cutaneous basal cell carcinoma located in head and neck region.
• Solitary tumors, with largest diameter up to 3 cm, in the region where curative surgery is feasible.
• Age 18-years or older.
• Life expectancy > 3 months.
• Physical performance in accordance with the Karnofsky scale ≥ 70 or < 2 in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) scale.
• The patient must be capable of understanding the treatment procedure and possible adverse events, which may arise during treatment.
• The patient must be capable of signing the informed consent to participate in the clinical study (voluntary and conscientious consent after education).
• Prior to inclusion in the trial, the patient must be presented at a multidisciplinary advisory team meeting.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known malignancy elsewhere in/on the body.
• Lesions not suitable for treatment with GET (invasion into the bone, infiltration of large vessels).
• A life-threatening infection and/or severe heart failure and/or liver failure and/or other life-threatening systemic diseases.
• Significantly reduced lung function, which requires the determination of DLCO. Patients should not be treated if DLCO is abnormal.
• Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, steroids and other drugs that would affect poor wound healing.
• Age under 18-years.
• Major disruptions in the coagulation system (who does not respond to the standard therapy - replacement of vitamin K or freshly frozen plasma).
• A chronic decline in the kidney function (creatinine > 150 µmol/L).
• Epilepsy.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• The patient's incapability of comprehending the purpose or course of the trial, or not agreeing to be included in the trial.
• Patients unwilling or unable to comply with the protocol requirements and scheduled visits.