Painless XRT gives patients freedom to heal without surgery

Since 2016, Just Skin Treatment Clinic has been offering skin cancer patients a specialised and non surgical treatment for skin cancer, using SXRT (Superficial X-Ray Radiation Therapy), with outstanding results.

Clinic founders, Drs Colin Dicks and Martin Noller saw a need for specialised treatment for skin cancer patients, and went ahead to establish the first XRT clinic on the Sunshine Coast.

“There are so many patient benefits to this type of treatment and we strongly believe that when it comes to the management of skin cancer, XRT should be part of every doctor patient conversation,” said Dr Dicks.

A well respected Radiation Oncologist on the Sunshine Coast, Dr Dicks’ credentials attest to “lifetime learning” and include: MBChB, FRANZCR, MBA, MSc (Palliative Medicine) and GAICD.

“I am passionate about educating patients and their referring GPs about XRT for a range of reasons, none the least of which are that it is painless, it does not involve needles, cutting or stitching, and there is no down time,” he explained.

“So patients can continue to work, play sport, enjoy their gardens or caring for children or grandchildren, without interruption.

“There are some patients with medical conditions for whom a general anaesthetic or local therapy is not particularly appropriate or safe. This would include people with high blood pressure, or those who are taking blood thinners. This is where XRT is a wonderful treatment option.”

XRT uses low-energy X-rays to treat the skin and underlying tissues to a specific, limited depth, typically between 2mm and 5mm. The treatment area itself is carefully targeted and shielded to protect healthy, deeper tissues, and because the radiation is superficial, it has fewer long term risks on the whole body compared to more powerful radiation therapies.

“The treatment is designed to minimize scarring,” said Dr Dicks “which is particularly important for areas around the face.”

The use of XRT began shortly after the discovery of X-rays in the late 1800’s and there has been a resurgence of interest in its use over the past 10 years, with modern technology and improved understanding leading to its re-introduction as an effective alternative to surgery for certain patients.

“We generally treat our patients twice a week for a period of six weeks,” said Dr Dicks.

“And what we have observed is that only around 2% of them may require surgery in the future.

“Our team is committed to finding better ways of caring for our patients to give them the best possible outcomes, and empowering them with information and options to support them through what has traditionally been a stressful diagnosis.”

You can learn more about Just Skin Treatment Clinic at www.justskin.com.au

Dr Colin Dicks, Radiation Oncologist and co-founder of Just Skin Treatment Clinic, advocates for non-surgical X-ray therapy as a safe and effective option for treating skin cancer.