Non-melanoma skin cancer can sometimes be treated very effectively with chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), or immunotherapy, or combination therapies using different agents to improve effectiveness. All treatment options are discussed in detail if/when the diagnosis of a skin cancer has been confirmed.

There are two topical evidence-based treatments for intraepidermal (‘in situ’) squamous cell cancer (also known as “Bowen’s disease) and superficial basal cell cancer used at our clinic, based on best practice recommendations developed by Cancer Council Australia.

5-Fluorouracil (Efudix) is a chemotherapy antimetabolite that causes cell-cycle arrest and cell death of intraepidermal (‘in situ’) squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment protocols very from 4 – 8 weeks, depending on the clinical response. This somewhat long treatment period may make some patients wary of side effects and pain.

Imiquimod (Aldara) is an immunological compound that triggers stimulation of both the innate and cell-mediated immune responses to tumour antigens. It may be prescribed for very thin superficial basal cell carcinomas. Treatment takes 6 weeks and it has a broad range of local and systemic adverse effects compared to fluorouracil or photodynamic therapy, so it is used less frequently.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a modern, non-invasive evidence-based* method used to destroy damaged cells and tissue via three components: a photosensitizer agent, a light source and oxygen. It is an evidence-based treatment option for the treatment of precancerous skin damage such as actinic keratosis and some forms of early non-invasive skin cancers, including superficial basal cell cancer and intraepidermal squamous cell cancer. Clinical trials have shown that is is slightly superior to fluorouracil for a sustained complete response for SCC in situ (80% vs. 69%). LED phototherapy technology (like the MediLUX) is the most commonly performed procedure. “Daylight PDT“, using the sun as the light source, is a gentle and well tolerated method with the same efficacy as conventional PDT. Quite ironic really, yet highly effective!

*Cancer Council Australia: Clinical practice guidelines for keratinocyte cancer

In a few rare circumstances skin radiation treatment might be a treatment option for some skin cancers. Superficial radiation has no effect on any stage of melanoma, so surgery is always mandatory for melanoma. The vast majority (>99%) of skin cancers are better suited to photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgical treatment.

We strongly suggest you seek an opinion from an accredited skin cancer expert or dermatologist prior to embarking on this form of treatment, as significant long-term adverse effects (including more skin cancers caused by the radiation therapy) are potential side effects of this very expensive* form of treatment.

There are specialised skin cancer radiation clinics on the Sunshine Coast that use superficial radiotherapy to target and treat certain types of skin cancers.

*Typical out of pocket costs exceed $3000 for the required 8 – 15 sessions

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy where a sealed radioactive source is placed, inside, on or near a tumour such as a skin cancer. Rhenium-SCT® (Skin Cancer Therapy) is a brachytherapy utilising the Beta emitter radioisotope Rhenium-188 for the treatment Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer.

The inclusion of this treatment as a rebateable item in Medicare and private health funds has not yet been finalised, and as such there is currently no rebate. This means that the out-of-pocket cost of a single treatment will be $7,000 to $8,000 (AUD), due to the technical and manufacturing expertise required to produce radioisotopes.

*There are currently no Rhenium-SCT® service provider in Queensland, yet if the cost reduces or Medicare provides funding for this service, it may become an option for some skin cancer treatments.