What Is Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy?
Image-guided superficial radiation therapy, also called IG-SRT, is a non-surgical, low-energy radiation treatment for certain non-melanoma skin cancers, including appropriate basal cell and squamous cell cancers. It delivers radiation just below the skin’s surface rather than deep into the body.
IG-SRT does not involve cutting. A large-scale study reported a cure rate above 99% for appropriate basal and squamous cell cancers. Your dermatologist can explain whether that evidence applies to your diagnosis and treatment plan.
IG-SRT is performed by a radiation therapist at Central Dermatology Center locations in Sanford, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh.
Before Treatment
Your case is reviewed by a Central Dermatology Center dermatologist to determine whether IG-SRT is appropriate. Before treatment begins, you review and sign informed consent describing the treatment and its expectations.
You will also have a simulation visit. Photos, ultrasound images, and treatment parameters are documented in the treatment system so the course can be reproduced accurately. Treatment is not given during this visit.
During the Treatment Course
Your treatment schedule may be two, three, four, or five visits a week, for a total of 20 treatments. A radiation therapist delivers the treatment. You may see the same therapist throughout the course, though other trained therapists may provide coverage when needed.
Your therapist evaluates the treatment area daily, and a Central Dermatology Center medical provider evaluates it weekly. The care team may recommend medication for skin reactions, adjust treatment when necessary, or pause treatment briefly if the skin needs rest.
Treatment is delivered by a radiation therapist, with medical providers and office staff involved throughout the course. The team documents the treatment parameters during simulation and uses them to support consistent treatment visits.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Skin reactions can occur during treatment. They are typically mild and limited to a small area. After treatment is complete, the treatment site is followed at approximately two weeks and six weeks.
Healing continues after the course is complete. Keep both follow-up visits so the treatment site can be evaluated and any ongoing skin reaction can be addressed.
Who May Be a Candidate?
IG-SRT may be discussed for people who are not good candidates for surgery, including those who take blood thinners, cannot tolerate a surgical procedure, have very thin skin, or have a lesion on the lower legs or another area where healing can be difficult. It may also be considered for a large lesion in a small area where surgery could require extensive tissue removal.
Surgery may be more appropriate for some types of skin cancer. A dermatologist can review the diagnosis, lesion, and treatment options with you.
