Superficial radiation therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer: A review

Abstract

Background

The high prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has become a global health-care burden. Various modalities have been established to treat NMSC, with surgery being the mainstay approach. Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) has been in use for over a century to treat various conditions. Recent discussion among the dermatological community has promoted the use of SRT for the treatment of NMSC.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases (Medline, Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, EBSCO) and textbooks, in addition to the authors' clinical experience with SRT.

Results

Multiple retrospective medical record reviews have deemed SRT to be highly effective and associated with minimal side effects. Moreover, SRT yields superior cosmetic results. Over the past decade, SRT has become a mainstay of dermatologist treatment of NMSC due to the new technological advances of the devices. These advances include improved controllability, precision in delivery, additional safety precautions, and have sparked a resurgence in research and clinical evidence on SRT. Most recent data have revealed that the NMSC cure rate is about 93%–100% with excellent 5-year follow-up data. Image-guided SRT using ultrasound guidance may additionally improve cure rates in the future.

Conclusion

SRT has shown to be an effective option for NMSC. It can also be effectively used in the management of keloids. The limitations across most studies encompass localized patient selection and a predominance of retrospective reviews in the literature. Additional research is warranted to further support SRT's efficacy in clinical practice.