23 Feb Superficial Radiation Therapy For Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers in the Elderly

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Roth

William I. Roth MD
Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery
Boynton Beach, FL

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

• This retrospective study reviewed medical records of patients with biopsy-proven, primary cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC) lesions on the lower extremities. These patients were treated with the Sensus Healthcare’s Superficial Radiation Therapy SRT-100 Unit between 2011 and 2014. The SRT-100 is most amenable for treating non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in patients aged 65 and older although many younger patients are treated as well when a non-scarring method is desired.
• The types of skin cancers treated included superficial, well differentiated and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinomas including infiltrative basal cell carcinomas. Higher energy linear accelerator radiation units have been reported to have a high incidence of healing problems. With the SRT-100 the radiation is concentrated primarily in the higher layers of the skin where the skin cancer is located and thus the treatments are well tolerated.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: The findings show a very high cure rate (exceeding 97 percent) among older patients (average age: 82.5 years) being treated for basal cell carcinomas and SCC on their lower extremities using SRT. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The results of this study highlight SRT as a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option for eliminating basal and squamous cell carcinoma lesions on lower extremities. Currently, more than 50 percent of all skin cancers are diagnosed in patients aged 65 years and older, and as incidences of NMSC increase with age, the wound healing process decreases at the same time. Additionally, with patients of this age demographic who have numerous comorbidities, it is best to not inflict more pain and SRT effectively treats  basal cell carcinomas and SCC lesions without cutting, bleeding or suturing. SRT also decreases the recovery time that patients need when they undergo surgery. Individuals receiving this therapy can also continue their normal daily activities such as swimming and golf, as opposed to long surgical recovery times. There is also a much lower risk of treatment associated infections, as compared to surgery.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Some of the patients in the study were referred by other physicians because they had cellulitis after surgical treatments for skin cancer and did not want more surgery. Study of the bacterial colonization of the legs of the elderly and the use of antibacterial cleansing agents may improve outcomes in both surgical and SRT patients. 

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Dr. Roth is on the medical advisory board of Sensus Healthcare in a non-compensated position. He started providing radiation therapy in 1979 after joining Dr. Victor H. Witten, a physician that was experienced in the field and had published on SRT while an editor of the Yearbook of Dermatology.

Citation: JDD

Superficial Radiation Therapy: A Viable Nonsurgical Option for Treating Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Extremities
February 2019 | Volume 18 | Issue 2 | Original Article | 130 | Copyright © 2019
William I. Roth MD, Michael Shelling MD, Keren Fishman 

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Last Updated on February 23, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD