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IMAGE GUIDED SRT (GentleCure)
Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy is a nonsurgical treatment that uses low levels of X-ray energy to kill cancer cells and allow normal tissue to grow back in its place. For many people dealing with skin cancer, Image-Guided SRT can be a highly effective treatment option without the downtime, side effects, and cosmetic issues sometimes associated with surgery.
Dixie Dermatology is proud to offer IG-SRT right in the comfort of our office. If you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or another form of non-melanoma skin cancer and have been told you need Mohs surgery, call us today to schedule an appointment to see if you’re a candidate for a less invasive alternative.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
With IG-SRT, you will sit in a chair a gel will be applied at the site of the cancer. Using an imaging wand, we can look at a detailed image of the cancer on a screen. We will use that image to measure the size and shape of the tumor, calculate the dose of the treatment, and define the treatment area. Once complete, the arm of the device will be placed over the treatment site and the exact dose of x-ray energy will be used to precisely target the cancer site without harming the healthy tissue around it. Each treatment session takes about 15 minutes from the time you walk in the door to when you leave the office. You’ll come back several times per week for a short treatment session, and in 4 to 7 weeks, treatment will be complete. The most recent large-scale study on IG-SRT shows a cure rate of greater than 99%, which is equal to or better than the treatment rate experienced with Mohs surgery. Ongoing patient surveys show that 99.9% of patients were happy with their decision to treat their cancer with IG-SRT and 99.8% would recommend the treatment option to others.
THE ADVANTAGES OF IG-SRT
With IG-SRT:
You’re typically in and out of the office in 15 minutes or less
No cutting, no bleeding, no stitches
No need for reconstructive surgery
Quick recovery time
Reduced risk for infection
Reduced risk for short- or long-term nerve damage
No anesthesia usage
No post-surgery downtime or discomfort
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IG-SRT AND OTHER RADIATION OPTIONS
There are several different radiation-based technologies for the treatment of skin cancer. Cure rates and cosmetic outcomes vary based on the technology and protocol. We use only Image-Guided SRT because both the cure rate and cosmetic results are superior to all other radiation-based options. If you’re considering radiation therapy, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting Image-Guided SRT with an adaptive radiotherapy protocol. It’s the gentler way to treat skin cancer. More information about this therapy is available at https://www.gentlecure.com.
SIDE EFFECTS AND COSMETIC RESULTS
When x-ray therapy is used to kill cancer cells, over time your body will replace dead cancer cells with healthy tissue, so there is significantly less risk of scarring and no need for reconstructive surgery. There is, however, a small risk of skin atrophy (thinning of the skin) and pigment changes (changes in the color of the skin) at the treatment site.
Other potential side effects may include skin inflammation with redness and swelling at the treatment site. Topical creams or ointments can be used throughout the course of the treatment to minimize these side effects. There is also a risk of alopecia (hair loss) in the area of the body that has been treated.
There is a less than 5% chance of developing a secondary skin cancer 20-40 years after treatment.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
With most insurance plans, you may have to pay some out-of-pocket cost. The cost is dependent on your specific health plan coverage and deductible policy. The amount can range from very little out-of-pocket expense to a few thousand dollars. We will work with your insurance plan to find out the cost to you before you commit to any specific treatment option, including IG-SRT.
MD OFFERING IG-SRT
Dr. Karl Trimble, MD, will help you select the treatment option that is right for you and, if you select IG-SRT as your treatment option of choice, will work with his team to develop a treatment plan specific to you. Over the course of treatment, Dr. Trimble will develop your treatment plan, oversee your treatment regimen, and will meet with you periodically over the course of treatment to help you manage any side effects.
RTT PERFORMING IG-SRT
Carla is a licensed Radiation Therapist Technologist (RTT) and will be with you throughout the course of your treatment. Your RTT will make sure that you’re comfortable in the treatment chair, will address any questions or concerns, and will review your progress with you at the beginning of each treatment session. Carla is licensed in the State of Utah and is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.