Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) is a technique approved by the FDA for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. It is designed to penetrate only the surface layers of the skin and destroy cancer cells without harming nearby healthy tissue.
What is SRT?
SRT involves the use of low-energy X-rays for skin cancer treatment. While it is not as powerful as the electron-beam radiation used to treat larger cancers, it is also less likely to cause side effects. The device is hooked up to a computer which improves its precision and thus reduces the risk of damaging healthy tissue.
Since SRT is comparatively gentle, it is a good skin cancer treatment for older patients. It can be used on places like the legs or scalp that tend to heal slowly. SRT can also be used on places like the nose that can’t be subjected to surgery. Some researchers have found that SRT can be used on keloids that keep growing back.
What is the SRT-100?
The SRT-100 is a device made by Sensus Healthcare. It is a portable unit that emits a carefully calibrated dose of SRT that penetrates no deeper than five millimeters beneath the skin’s surface. The machine has a special arm with a wide range of vertical and horizontal motion.
How Is It Used?
The SRT-100 is a non-invasive device, so there is no risk of infection or scarring. The patient won’t even need anesthesia. It can be used in the comfort of our office.
The patient will lie or sit down, and the medical professional will place a protective apron over most of their body. The X-ray device will be placed against the patient’s skin and turned on.
The SRT-100 can be used to treat up to four skin cancers at once. The typical treatment session takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The patient will generally need to undergo multiple treatments. The SRT-100’s cure rate is comparable to that of surgery; it is around 95 percent.
Who is a Good Candidate for the SRT-100?
The SRT-100 is used to treat people with superficial, non-melanoma skin cancers and can also be used to treat keloids. Since the X-rays only penetrate five millimeters, it should not be used to treat cancers that have gone deeper than that.
The SRT-100 is a good option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery. Patients who use blood-thinners or have a history of scarring are also good candidates for the SRT-100. The SRT-100 can be used for skin cancer treatment on the head, face, limbs, back and waist.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for SRT-100 therapy is to schedule an appointment at Dr. Yeoman’s Dermatology Office, with locations in Poplar Bluff and Paragould. Contact us today to book your consultation for skin cancer treatment.
