SUPERFICIAL RADIATION THERAPY (SRT)

Clearline Dermatology provides superficial radiation therapy utilizing the state-of-the-art SRT-100 Vision™. With a team-based approach to administering SRT, you can take confidence knowing that you are in great hands.

Our SRT team includes not only our board-certified dermatologists, but also our own radiation therapists and a reviewing radiation oncologist, a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of various types of cancers utilizing radiation therapy techniques.

A Non-Surgical Option to Treat Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Keloids

Superficial radiation therapy, also known as superficial radiotherapy or SRT, is an effective, non-surgical alternative for treating certain non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and keloids. While Mohs Micrographic Surgery has predominantly been the treatment of choice for skin cancers in sensitive areas including the head and face, SRT now provides another tool in the Clearline Dermatology toolbox to better serve our patients.

In appropriate NMSC cases, SRT has a comparable cure rate to Mohs Micrographic Surgery without the risk commonly associated with cutting on the skin.

SRT-100 VISION™

The SRT-100 Vision™ by Sensus Healthcare is an FDA-cleared device used in the treatment of NMSC and keloids. The SRT-100 Vision™, specifically, is equipped with ultrasound technology, the same technology used in other medical fields including obstetric and pregnancy care, providing an image-guided approach to better localize and monitor the treated cancer. SRT devices using ultrasound are also referred to as Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, or IG-SRT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does superficial radiation therapy work?

What conditions can be treated with superficial radiation therapy?

SRT is an effective alternative to surgery for treating certain non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and keloids. Non-melanoma skin cancers include squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. And, keloids are excessive, non-malignant growths of scar tissue.

With regard to NMSC, SRT has a 5-year cure rate of about 93-95%. Whereas Mohs Micrographic Surgery, in comparison, typically has a slightly higher 5-year cure rate around 98%. With comparable cure rates, SRT can be an excellent option especially if a patient is at significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes related to having a surgery.

Who are the ideal patients for superficial radiation therapy?

For NMSC, certain areas of the body are more suitable for SRT to include the lower extremities below the knee and parts of face such as the nose, ear, around the mouth, and around the eyes.

Additionally, patients with advanced age that may have higher risks from surgery due to other medical conditions or side effects of existing medications (i.e., blood thinners) may be good candidates for SRT. Ask your dermatologist if SRT may be a good option for you.

What can I expect if I get superficial radiation therapy?

For patients being treated with SRT for NMSC, an initial planning appointment is scheduled that creates an individualized SRT treatment plan. Generally, patients will undergo a few treatment sessions per week for several weeks. The total number of sessions required to adequately treat the skin cancer is about 16-20.

For keloids, far fewer sessions are usually recommended. Since treating keloids are generally for cosmetic purposes, sometimes combination options to include SRT may be recommended.

There is generally no associated pain with SRT treatments. After treatment, common side effects include redness, itching, dryness, and hair loss around the treated site. Hair loss around the treated site is usually temporary.

SUPERFICIAL RADIATION THERAPY (SRT)

A Non-Surgical Option to Treat Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Keloids

SRT-100 VISION™

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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