Up until now, the diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer has meant: surgery and radiotherapy for those affected. Rostock scientists have now developed a new method. Only a gray paste is used.
According to their own statements, Rostock scientists have successfully treated white skin cancer with radioactive paste. As part of the study, which is unique in Germany, 22 patients were treated, said the Rostock University Medical Center (UMR). “All participating patients responded, and most were cured in the long term,” dermatologist Steffen Emmert is quoted as saying.
Ralf Gutzmer, chairman of the Working Group on Dermatological Oncology, said it was a new procedure that needed further evaluation. The study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
White skin cancer is a generic term for certain skin tumors that differ from black skin cancer (melanoma). Sun or UV radiation is the most important risk factor.
According to the UMR, as part of the treatment, a greyish, inconspicuous-looking paste is applied with a special device. Surrounding tissue is said to be covered with foil to protect it from radioactive radiation. The local radiation kills the tumor cells. Accordingly, a one-off outpatient treatment is sufficient, in which the paste acts for one to two hours. In the following weeks there is inflammation, itching and burning. When it subsides, the complexion normalizes and the skin cancer is gone. However, the treatment is only successful if the cancer is detected early and has not yet penetrated too deeply.
On the basis of study data, it remains to be seen what place the new technology will take in terms of effort, costs, side effects and effectiveness next to established procedures such as surgery and radiotherapy, said Gutzmer. According to the UMR, the study is to be presented at the German Skin Cancer Congress in September. They are looking for a further 25 patients as part of a worldwide study.
(This article was first published on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.)
