Personalized irradiation therapy for NMSC by rhenium-188 skin cancer therapy: a long-term retrospective study

Objectives This study aimed to provide long-term clinical data about an innovative epidermal radioisotope therapy called Rhenium-SCT(R)(Skin Cancer Therapy) for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), based on the use of the non-sealed beta emitter rhenium-188. Material and methods 52 NMSC patients with a mean age of 71.7 years were treated with rhenium-188 skin cancer therapy between the years 2005 and 2014. An acryl matrix containing rhenium-188 was applied on a plastic foil covering the tumor. The treatment time for reaching a radiation dose of 50 Gy was calculated by a software program. Patients' characteristics and clinical follow-up data were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results Overall 55 lesions (32 BCC, 19 SCC, 2 M. Bowen and 2 extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD)) mainly in the head and neck region (72.3%) were treated. The average size of the irradiation area was 9.79 cm(2)and the mean treatment time 46.35 min. All lesions showed a complete remission after a follow-up period between 3 and more than 12 months. No complications or other post-interventional problems were reported. Conclusions Rhenium-SCT(R)is considered as an effective, rapid, safe, painless treatment mostly performed in a single therapeutic session, regardless of the shape complexity, anatomical site and number of lesions.

Automated summary

This study provides long-term clinical data on the use of an innovative epidermal radioisotope therapy called Rhenium-SCT(R) for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The therapy, which utilizes the non-sealed beta emitter rhenium-188, showed high efficacy, rapid treatment time, and no reported complications. It is considered a safe and painless option for NMSC treatment.