Low-Cost System Provides an Alternative to Mohs Surgery

A novel photoelectric therapy system provides a pain free, non-surgical alternative for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer and superficial keloid lesions.

The Xstrahl (Camberley, United Kingdom) Photoelectric Therapy System is a mobile, compact, ergonomic superficial X-ray therapy system--operating in the 10-80kV range--designed for superficial radiotherapy and surface electronic brachytherapy of primary malignant epithelial neoplasms and keloids. Typical indications include basal and squamous cell carcinomas, metatypic carcinoma, cutaneous appendage carcinoma, Karposi's sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, Lentigo maligna, Lentigo maligna melanoma, cutaneous lymphomas (B and T cell), and keloids.


Using a depth dose profile planned for the treatment of superficial skin lesions, the system utilizes low energy photons to deliver a high dose output, which enables treatment times to be kept to a minimum, whilst still treating a wide range of skin conditions. The low half-value layer (HVL) of the system allows for higher doses without compromising on depth of delivery, providing a pain free alternative to invasive procedure such as Mohs surgery, especially in lesions found in sensitive areas of the head and neck.

The freestanding, self-contained, unobtrusive, and lightweight system helps provide a reassuring and stress-free patient experience in any clinical facility. The ergonomically designed controls guarantee smooth adjustment and safe, simple patient set-up, and lockable castors guarantee free movement and operation in any clinical space. An added benefit is that photoelectric devices require minimal shielding and uses a 24 V power supply, in comparison higher energy X-ray therapy systems.

“In an era of personalized medicine, we should expect skin cancer treatment to be minimally invasive on the way we look,” said Amanda Tulk, business development director at Xstrahl. “At Xstrahl we have developed a solution that will enable more patients to gain access to a simple but effective and curative way to treat non-melanoma skin cancer.”

Most non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, the commonest human cancer in Caucasians, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; over 80% of these tumors occur on the skin of the head and neck, and most are easily curable. Death is rare; when it occurs, it does so from metastases’ or neglect. The major predisposing factor is chronic sunshine exposure, particularly in childhood; other factors include fair skin, ionizing radiation, immunosuppression, previous skin malignancy, and premalignant states, such as multiple actinic keratoses.

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