IG-SRT
IG-SRT
An Overview
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) refers to a group of cancers that develop in the skin that are not melanoma. The two most common non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans getting skin cancer in their lifetime. Treatment for NMSC includes topical therapy, electrodessication & curettage, photodynamic therapy, surgical excision and Mohs. At Central Minnesota Dermatology we are excited to offer GentleCure, which is image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT). This is the gold standard for non-surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer.
The Science
The IG-SRT treatment uses high-definition ultrasound imaging to help clinicians direct low-level X-ray radiation to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. This targeted approach minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
As the X-ray radiation kills the cancer cells, your body will replace the dead cancers with normal healthy tissue. This clinically proven treatment comes without the side effects commonly associated with other surgical treatments, such as cutting, surgical scarring, pain, and limited activity during and after treatment. The treatment is done right in our dermatology office over the course of 5-6 weeks and is administered by a Radiation Therapist. It is the only skin cancer treatment with ultrasound imaging that lets you see the skin cancer on the screen and review the progress made throughout your course of treatment.
What to Expect
Your initial IG-SRT visit will last about 30-45 minutes and you will not receive treatment. Your skin cancer(s) will be marked and an ultrasound performed by placing a small amount of ultrasound jelly on the skin and then using the ultrasound wand. The image will be used to measure the size and shape of your tumor, define the treatment areas, and calculate the precise dose of radiation to treat your specific skin cancer.
The 20 treatment appointments take about 15-20 minutes each. An ultrasound of the treatment site will be performed at each visit. You will be able to see the image and monitor the progress of your treatment. After all the safety equipment has been placed, the Radiation Therapist will step out of the room and the radiation will be delivered. You may feel a warm sensation but no pain. Once the safety equipment has been removed, you can leave the clinic and go about your day without any restrictions. As your treatment progresses the treatment area will become red, swollen, and scabby. Certain treatment sites, such as the lips and lower legs, may even develop some mild ulceration. We will review wound care with you. After you have completed your course of treatment, we will have you return to the clinic in 8 weeks for another ultrasound to confirm that your skin cancer has been treated.
Throughout your course of treatment, our Radiation Therapist can answer a lot of your questions. Dr. Kristina M. Britton will evaluate your skin cancer on your simulation day to determine the appropriate treatment area. She will also see you several times throughout the course of your treatment and at your 8-week follow-up appointment. There is always a medical provider in the clinic if questions or concerns should arise during your treatment that our Radiation Therapist cannot answer.
Pre-Treatment Information
The day of treatment make sure to wear comfortable clothing, as the treatment area needs to be easily accessible.
Jewelry or accessories in the treatment area should be removed.
Avoid using lotions, creams, and makeup on the treatment site prior to your treatment.
Post-Treatment Information
After the treatment area has healed, there is often thinning of the skin, particularly in areas with many oil glands, such as the tip of the nose. There is also the risk of temporary or permanent pigment changes in the skin at the treatment site.
There will be permanent hair loss in the entire treatment area. Closely following skin care recommendations and being diligent with sun protection during your treatment will help to minimize these potential side effects.
Outcomes
Clinical trials and published data have proven the efficacy and safety of image-guided SRT and found it to be superior to non-image-guided forms of radiation therapy. 98% of patients surveyed after completing GentleCure (IG-SRT) treatment report being happy with their treatment decision and said they would recommend GentleCure to others.
It is important to note that in the 7 years that patients have been receiving GentleCure (IG-SRT), there have been NO reported cases of secondary skin cancers occurring as a result of treatment.
Why We Chose Gentlecure
There are several different radiation-based treatments available for skin cancer. However, the safety, cure rates, and cosmetic outcomes vary based on the treatment technology and clinical protocols used. We chose GentleCure (Image-Guided SRT) because it is the only skin cancer treatment with advanced imaging that lets us see and measure the cancer and adapt the dose to precisely what you need at each stage of treatment. It has also been shown to be the safest and most effective of all radiation-based treatments for skin cancer with very good cosmetic results.
If you are considering superficial radiation therapy to treat your skin cancer, make sure you are getting GentleCure (Image-Guided SRT) with adaptive radiotherapy protocols. It’s a safe, effective, and gentle way to treat skin cancer using the most advanced treatment technology available today.
