GentleCure SRT
With nearly four million Americans diagnosed with basal and squamous cell carcinoma each year, patients now have access to an innovative treatment option that eliminates the need for surgery. Golden State Dermatology offers GentleCure, the most advanced form of Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) available today, providing patients with a gentle yet highly effective solution for non-melanoma skin cancer.
GentleCure combines precision radiation therapy with real-time ultrasound imaging to treat skin cancer without surgical intervention. This technology allows providers at Golden State Dermatology to visualize cancer cells throughout treatment and adjust doses precisely to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes with minimal side effects.
What is GentleCure SRT?
GentleCure SRT is image-guided superficial radiation therapy that uses low-energy X-ray radiation specifically designed for skin cancer treatment. The radiation penetrates only the outer layers of skin, targeting cancerous cells with precision while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
This targeted approach differs fundamentally from traditional radiation therapy used for internal cancers, which penetrates deeper into the body.
The technology uses high-frequency ultrasound imaging, allowing dermatologists to see the exact size and location of cancer cells before, during, and after each treatment session. This real-time visualization enables your provider to monitor how the cancer responds to treatment and make adjustments as needed.
Treatment sessions typically last about 15 minutes and occur over a course of 5-7 weeks. During each visit, your provider delivers a precise dose of low-energy X-ray radiation to the treatment area.
The ultrasound images provide immediate feedback, showing the cancer shrinking and eventually disappearing as treatment progresses. Patients can actually see the cancer going away on the screen, which provides reassurance that treatment is working effectively.
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Benefits of Choosing GentleCure SRT for Skin Cancer Treatment
GentleCure SRT offers multiple benefits over traditional skin cancer treatments, including:
Backed by Science
Golden State Dermatology selected GentleCure after an extensive review of published research on radiation-based skin cancer treatments. The decision was based on superior safety profiles, cure rates, and cosmetic outcomes compared to other radiation technologies. Research from 2021 involving 1,632 patients who received Image-Guided SRT for early-stage basal or squamous cell skin cancers demonstrated a 99% short-term local response rate across 2,917 treated lesions.
Minimally Invasive
The treatment offers several distinct advantages for patients. There is no cutting, bleeding, or surgical scarring involved in the process. Patients avoid the risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures.
Reduced Recovery Times
Recovery time is minimal, allowing most people to continue their daily activities throughout the treatment course with few restrictions. The precision of the radiation beam means healthy tissue remains largely unaffected, preserving the skin’s natural appearance.
Lower-Risk
GentleCure proves particularly valuable for treating skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, where surgical intervention might result in noticeable scarring or require reconstructive procedures. The treatment also serves as an appropriate option for patients who cannot undergo surgery due to other health conditions, those taking blood-thinning medications, or individuals who simply prefer to avoid surgical intervention.
What to Expect During GentleCure SRT Treatment
The treatment process begins with an initial consultation at Golden State Dermatology, where your provider reviews your pathology reports and discusses your treatment options. During this visit, the medical team explains how GentleCure works and answers any questions about the procedure, expected outcomes, and potential side effects.
Preparing for treatment sessions is straightforward. Patients should wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. All jewelry or accessories near the treatment site must be removed.
On the day of each session, avoid applying lotions, creams, or makeup to the area being treated. It’s essential to inform the care team about all medications, allergies, and existing skin conditions.
Treatment takes place in the dermatology office rather than a hospital setting. Patients lie comfortably during the session while the radiation therapist positions the equipment.
The procedure itself is painless, though some people notice a warm sensation in the treatment area. Most patients report no discomfort during or immediately after their sessions. The outpatient nature of the treatment means people can drive themselves to and from appointments and resume normal activities afterward.
Does GentleCure SRT Have Side Effects?
As with any medical procedure, Image-Guided SRT can produce side effects, though most are mild to moderate and temporary. The most common reactions include redness, irritation, or thinning of the treated skin.
Some patients experience temporary skin breakdown at the treatment site, which increases the risk of infection. The dermatology team at Golden State Dermatology provides topical creams and ointments to minimize these effects and promote healing.
Patients may notice changes in skin pigmentation, with the treated area becoming either darker or lighter than surrounding skin. Hair loss will occur within the entire treatment field and may be permanent.
When treating cancers on the nose, some people experience nosebleeds due to dryness in the nasal passages. This typically occurs more frequently during winter months and can be managed with saline nasal spray or gentle ointments like Aquaphor applied inside the nostrils.
Most side effects resolve within two to six weeks after completing treatment. The body gradually replaces dead cancer cells with healthy tissue over time.
Cosmetic results are generally very good, particularly when compared to surgical outcomes. However, patients should be aware that skin thinning may occur, especially in areas with many oil glands, such as the tip of the nose.
Rare side effects include skin ulcers that heal slowly or do not heal completely, and the possibility of another cancer forming in the same area 20 to 40 years after treatment. The dermatology team discusses these potential long-term considerations during the initial consultation to ensure patients can make informed decisions about their care.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or suspect you may have a concerning lesion, schedule an appointment with Golden State Dermatology to discuss your treatment options. Our experienced team will review your pathology report, explain the GentleCure process in detail, and work with you to determine the treatment plan that best meets your needs.