CHICAGO, July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dermatology
Association of Radiation Therapy (DART), a national non-profit
medical society working to heighten awareness of radiation therapy
in the dermatological setting through advocacy, education, and
research, today announced the publication of new clinical
guidelines for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. The
guidelines were created collaboratively by members of the
association's education and research committees to assist
dermatologists, radiation oncologists, and radiation therapists in
the appropriate use of noninvasive, radiation-based treatments for
basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The guidelines focus on appropriate use criteria for both the
treatment of BCC and SCC using image-guided superficial radiation
therapy (IGSRT), which combines high-resolution dermal ultrasound
imaging with superficial radiation therapy. The guidelines offer
detailed and distinct criteria for each of the two cancer types,
including diagnosis, staging, and use of IGSRT, contraindications,
rationale and protocol, follow up, and more. The guidelines
emphasize that the need for a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is not
only essential but central to the treatment protocol.
To optimize patient outcomes, the guidelines affirm that IGSRT
should be delivered in the dermatology setting by a board-certified
dermatologist with an MDT, and the MDT must include a
board-certified radiation therapist (RTT) for treatment delivery of
IGSRT under the supervision of the prescribing dermatologist. The
MDT must also include access to a board-certified radiation
oncologist and medical physicist as well as organized weekly
national Grand Rounds to assist dermatologists with complex
scenarios. These may include dose decay calculations, inverse
square calculations, and review of beam parameters and field
placement to determine whether the anatomic location of the current
cancer overlaps with previously radiated fields.
"We're absolutely committed to ensuring that all appropriate
patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer have access to safe and
effective, noninvasive, radiation-based treatments in the
outpatient dermatology setting, and that those undergoing treatment
receive quality care in accordance with the latest evidence-based
research and best practice standards of care," said DART President
and Chairman Jacob Scott, MD, DPhil,
DABR. "When delivered in accordance with these evidence-based
guidelines, IGSRT is shown to be safe and up to 99 percent
effective at eradicating these cancers."
In developing the guidelines, DART and its panel of experts
critically appraised and interpreted recent and relevant clinical
evidence to provide recommendations that may inform patient care.
The guidelines stress that healthcare providers should exercise
their own clinical judgment and discretion when providing patient
care, noting that the guidelines should not be used as a substitute
for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
About DART
DART is the only medical society focused on
the use of radiation therapy and other nonsurgical options for the
treatment of skin cancer and dermatologic conditions. DART and its
members are committed to analyzing and educating on therapies that
are most beneficial to patients. DART has four core objectives: (1)
Provide a forum for radiation therapy practitioners and other
interested persons to consider, discuss and share current knowledge
and information in the field of dermatologic radiation therapy and
related topics; (2) Sponsor meetings, forums, seminars, and
educational programs on radiation in the dermatology setting and
related topics; (3) Develop and share information and materials on
the use of radiation therapy in the dermatologic setting; and (4)
Promote the practice of dermatologic radiation therapy and the
common business interests of those engaged in such practices. DART
is headquartered in Chicago,
Illinois. Membership information and additional details can
be found at dermassociationrt.org.
Media Contact:
Matt
Russell
Russell Public Communications
520-232-9840
mrussell@russellpublic.com
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SOURCE Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy