Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT)

Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT)

A non-surgical treatment for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. No cutting, no stitches, no needles, and no downtime.

Cutting Edge Dermatology is now offering Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) for patients with basal and squamous cell skin cancers, in partnership with DermRay, using the Xstrahl superficial radiation therapy system. IG-SRT is a gentle, non-surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer that uses low-dose, targeted radiation to treat only the skin's surface. With advanced imaging technology, the doctor can precisely locate and treat the cancerous cells while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. IG-SRT has a 98-99% cure rate, leaves no surgical scars, and allows you to continue your normal daily activities after treatment.1 It's often recommended for patients wanting a non-invasive option with excellent cosmetic results.

Ask if you're a candidate or call us at 276-365-8071.

Why Patients Choose IG-SRT

  • Non-invasive: no incisions, stitches, or needles.
  • Precise: ultrasound imaging shows the size and depth of the cancer, so treatment is targeted and progress can be tracked at every visit.
  • Quick visits: about 15 minutes per appointment, with the treatment itself lasting only a few minutes.
  • Painless: the treatment itself doesn't hurt.
  • No downtime: drive yourself to and from appointments and go about your normal day.
  • Proven results: a 98-99% cure rate with excellent cosmetic outcomes.1
  • Covered by insurance: covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans.

What to Expect

  1. Consultation: you'll meet with an experienced radiation oncologist, who reviews your pathology report and performs an ultrasound of the lesion to build a treatment plan tailored to you.
  2. Insurance check: our team verifies your coverage and walks you through any out-of-pocket costs before anything is scheduled, so there are no surprises.
  3. Treatment: a series of short sessions spread over a few weeks, usually 15 to 20 treatments depending on the size, type, and location of the cancer.
  4. Follow-up: the same ultrasound imaging is used to confirm the cancer is shrinking and resolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IG-SRT?
Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) is a non-invasive treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It combines low-energy radiation with ultrasound imaging so your care team can see the exact size and shape of the cancer, target it precisely, and track how well it's responding to treatment.

How does IG-SRT work?
It pairs a low-energy X-ray treatment with real-time ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound shows the exact size of the cancer so treatment can be dosed precisely to the area, and the same imaging is used at follow-up visits to confirm the cancer is shrinking and resolving.

How long does each treatment take?
Each appointment takes about 15 minutes, and the treatment itself lasts only a few minutes. IG-SRT is delivered as a series of sessions spread over a few weeks, depending on your treatment plan.

Does the treatment hurt?
No, the treatment itself is painless. Afterward, some patients notice redness or mild skin irritation in the treated area, which typically fades as the skin heals.

How effective is IG-SRT?
IG-SRT is highly effective for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. In a large published clinical study of 1,632 patients (2,917 treated lesions), 98.8% of patients and 99.3% of individual lesions were cured following IG-SRT treatment.1

Are there side effects or risks?
Most patients have an excellent cosmetic outcome. Some experience temporary irritation such as redness, peeling, or scabbing. A small number of patients notice a lasting change in skin color in the treated area. Your care team will review your personal risk factors before you begin treatment.

Is IG-SRT covered by insurance?
Yes. IG-SRT for non-melanoma skin cancer is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. Your care team will confirm your specific coverage before treatment begins.

How is this different from Mohs surgery?
IG-SRT is a non-invasive alternative to Mohs surgery. There are no needles or incisions, no stitches, and no surgical downtime, so you can return to your normal routine right away. For the right candidates, it offers comparably high cure rates with a favorable cosmetic result.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the size, type, and location of the skin cancer. The range is usually 15 to 20 treatments. Your care team will lay out your personalized plan and schedule at your consultation.

What happens at the first visit?
Your first visit is a consultation with a radiation oncologist, who reviews your pathology report and performs an ultrasound of the lesion to confirm the details and build the most effective treatment plan for you.

Is IG-SRT Right for You?

If you've been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or you'd like a non-surgical option, we'd be glad to talk with you. Schedule an appointment or call us at 276-365-8071. Already had surgery recommended? You can also learn about our surgical options and compare.

In partnership with DermRay
Offered in partnership with DermRay, using the Xstrahl superficial radiation therapy system.

Reference
1. Yu, L., Oh, C. & Shea, C.R. The Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer with Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy: An Analysis of 2917 Invasive and In Situ Keratinocytic Carcinoma Lesions. Oncol Ther 9, 153–166 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40487-021-00138-4