Superficial Radiotherapy: Long Term Follow-Up of Highly Selected Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Skin Cancer Patients

Abstract

Superficial radiotherapy (SRT) treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer has been reported to yield variable cure rates. When patients are highly selected, adequate margins of treatment are chosen, and hypofractionation is avoided, cure rates of SRT can approach that of Mohs surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate long term results of our center’s SRT selection criteria and define proper decision-making parameters of optimal candidates for treatment, and to review the literature. A retrospective chart analysis was done of all SRT cases from 2012-2018. Location, size, type and depth of the treated tumors were defined. Treatment energy, fractionation, and radiation field size were documented. Recurrences and complications were analyzed. Of 131 treated lesions treated, head and neck lesions (105, 80%) were the most common location, primarily on the lower nose (60, 46%). Of 122 lesions analyzed for recurrence, 2 (1.6%) recurred, with a mean follow-up time of 5 years. Acute ulcerations in 29 (28%) head and neck lesions, 5 (63%) trunk lesions, and 9 (50%) leg lesions occurred. Delayed ulcerations occurred in 5 (28%) leg lesions. In conclusion, when patients are highly selected, long-term SRT cure rates up to 98% can be achieved.