Innovative, non-surgical treatment for skin cancer offered at the London Clinic

The London Clinic has become the first private hospital in the UK to offer its patients Rhenium-SCT, a new non-invasive treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers.

The treatment, developed by German company OncoBeta, uses the chemical element rhenium to deliver a controlled dose of radiation to the skin’s surface, treating superficial skin cancers precisely and painlessly.

The results show complete tumor regression in 98.5% of treated lesions.

Dr Gerhard Dahlhoff, OncoBeta’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “The treatment is designed for non-melanoma skin cancer, which is an abnormal growth of cells that usually (but not always) develops on an area of ​​skin that has been heavily exposed to the sun.

“It grows more slowly than melanoma and is less likely to spread. However, it still requires treatment to stop its growth and possible spread.”

Following a referral from a dermatologist, patients will be able to attend the London Clinic to be assessed by the radiotherapy specialist and then book an appointment for this treatment.

Patients without a dermatologist referral can still access this treatment if appropriate by booking an appointment at the London Clinic Rapid Diagnostic Centre Dermatology Clinic.

The treatment will begin with the dermatologist marking the required area, after which the nuclear medicine specialist can then apply a radioactive paste to the skin surface.

The treatment lasts approximately 30 to 180 minutes depending on the size and depth of the area to be treated.

Once the paste is removed, the procedure is complete and patients can go home.

Dr Bashir, consultant dermatologist at the London Clinic, said: “This is a very exciting treatment because it is non-invasive, completely painless and does not require any anaesthetic or surgery.

“In most cases, only one treatment session is required and the patient can literally walk in and walk out.”

“Most skin cancer treatments require surgery and some degree of aftercare or wound care, such as stitches or dressings.

“No follow-up is necessary for Rhenium-SCT treatment.”

Rhenium-SCT can treat any skin cancer other than melanoma.

Its particular advantages lie in the simultaneous treatment of patients with several lesions, since no serious side effects are to be expected due to the low depth of action.

It is also good for elderly patients, those with allergies, comorbidities or low pain tolerance, and is recommended for people with tumors in high-risk or difficult-to-treat areas, where surgery has been refused, in cases where surgery would result in functional mutilation, in cases where relapse has occurred, and for patients who have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.