Review
The use of brachytherapy in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer: A review

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Nonmelanoma skin cancers can be treated by various modalities, including electrodessication and curettage, excisional techniques, and radiation. In selected cases, radiation may be preferable to surgery. When radiation is an option, brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy that places the radiation source close to the area to be treated, may have advantages relative to conventional external beam radiation in particular patients. After brachytherapy, recurrence rates for nonmelanoma skin cancers are low, especially for small, superficial lesions, with good to excellent functional and cosmetic results. This article reviews the indications, efficacy, and adverse effects of brachytherapy in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Section snippets

Treatment of NMSC with radiotherapy

Historically, external radiotherapy, consisting of superficial x-rays or electron therapy, has been a commonly used treatment for NMSCs. With the advent of precise surgical treatments, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, which offers tissue-sparing tumor removal, the use of radiation for NMSCs has declined. The reported 5-year control rates for NMSC treatment with external beam radiation are very good, varying from 80% to 92% for SCC and BCC, respectively; from 93% to 80% for primary and

Indications for external beam radiation and brachytherapy

Radiation has a role in the treatment of NMSC in selected cases. In the United States, external beam radiation will likely continue to be the modality of choice when radiation is required, but brachytherapy may be a useful alternative when the need arises. The primary benefit of brachytherapy compared with external beam radiation therapy is its ability to deliver radiation to the target tissue with less injury to surrounding normal-appearing skin. Specifically, brachytherapy may be preferable

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    Northwestern University Department of Dermatology provided funding.

    Conflicts of interest: None declared.

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