The radioactive paste that could remove the need for skin cancer surgery
A radioactive paste that is applied to skin cancer is proving to be successful and could potentially rule out the need for surgery.
Joanna Mountney, 48, was recommended for surgery to have a pin-sized lump on her ear cut out, until she discovered the non-invasive alternative with no downtime.
"I was booked in for surgery, to have a wedge incision cut out of my right ear," she said.
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Experts say the outcomes are similar to surgery and better than topical medications. Nine
"They would reduce the size of my ear by approximately one third."
Mountney opted for the less invasive treatment called Rhenium-SCT.
"It's a radioactive paste applied onto the skin cancer. It's indicated for lesions that are less than 3 millimetres thick," John Flynn Private Hospital Associate Professor Sid Baxi said.
Two-in-three Australians will experience skin cancer in their lifetime.
"I sat comfortably in my chair, playing on my phone for approximately 90 minutes. And that was it," Mountney said.
It took several weeks for the scab to heal.
"I'm so happy with the results."
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Joanna Mountney needed surgery for a pin-sized lump on her ear. Nine
Twelve-month results from the largest study of the TGA-approved treatment on 184 patients show the overall response rate was 97.3 per cent, while 94 per cent of lesions had a complete response.
"We looked at pain and discomfort during the treatment session, it was zero per cent," Baxi said.
"We had positive results in cosmetic outcomes as well."
Experts say the outcomes are similar to surgery and better than topical medications.
"Things like Efudix is a topical cream, Aldara. These treatments have an efficacy of about 50 to 70 per cent," Baxi said.
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It only took several weeks for the scab to heal. Nine
The procedure can only be performed by a doctor who specialises in radiation treatment.
There is no government subsidy, however funding is under review.
The cost ranges between $5000 and $10,000, depending on the size and number of lesions.
"I would like to see my children be able to access a treatment like this into the future," Mountney said.
The key component of the radioactive resin is manufactured in Sydney at the Lucas Heights facility.
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