Watch: how SRT treats skin cancer
An in-depth look at Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy — how the low-energy x-rays work, what treatment looks like, and the results patients can expect.
What is Superficial Radiation Therapy?
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) uses low-energy x-rays that release their dose at or just beneath the surface of the skin. Because the energy stays shallow, it can destroy skin-cancer cells while sparing the deeper tissue, cartilage, and bone underneath. There is no incision and no anesthesia — each session feels like having a quick x-ray.
CureRays delivers Image-Guided SRT (IG-SRT), which adds high-resolution ultrasound imaging so the team can see the exact depth and extent of the tumor, aim precisely, and confirm the cancer is responding throughout the course of treatment.
How radiation destroys cancer
Radiation works at the level of the cell. The process is simple, painless, and precise:
1. Target the cancer
Low-energy x-rays are aimed at the lesion. Imaging guidance keeps the beam on the cancer and off healthy tissue.
2. Damage the DNA
The radiation damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they can no longer divide and multiply.
3. Spare healthy skin
Normal cells repair this kind of damage far better than cancer cells, so fractionated (spread-out) treatment clears the cancer while the surrounding skin recovers.
4. Heal without a scar
Because nothing is cut, the treated area heals on its own — usually with an excellent cosmetic result, even on the face, nose, and ears.
Why patients choose SRT
For many basal and squamous cell skin cancers, SRT is a true alternative to surgery:
- Scar-free — no scalpel, stitches, or skin grafts
- Painless, with no anesthesia and no downtime
- Ideal for delicate areas like the nose, ears, eyelids, and lower legs
- Excellent cure and cosmetic outcomes for appropriately selected cancers
- A good option for patients who cannot or prefer not to have surgery
What to expect during treatment
After a consultation and imaging, treatment is delivered over several short visits across a few weeks — typically a handful of minutes per session. The most common side effect is a gradual, sunburn-like reaction in the treated area that settles after treatment ends. Your care team monitors the response at each visit and supports your skin throughout.
See if SRT is right for you
Talk with a CureRays radiation oncologist about whether scar-free SRT fits your diagnosis.