What is GentleCure?
GentleCure is image-guided superficial radiation therapy (SRT) treats both cancerous and healthy tissue, as it cannot selectively target only the cancer. It does not provide confirmation that all cancer has been removed and requires 15 to 20 treatments over several days or weeks. National cancer guidelines do not recommend SRT as a first- or even second-line option. It has a lower cure rate, with at least 1 in 20 cancers potentially recurring, and may result in long-term cosmetic outcomes that are difficult to predict.
Side effects can include skin irritation, blistering, peeling, pigment changes, hair loss, and even risks like tooth decay or damage to salivary glands. Additionally, SRT is expensive and has been linked in some studies to an increased risk of causing additional skin cancers. GentleCure is actually a form of radiation therapy, though many patients are unaware of this. Notably, most treatment studies for these therapies are conducted by the radiation device manufacturers themselves, and long-term outcomes have not been adequately studied.
If you are considering GentleCure or any form of superficial radiation therapy, we recommend consulting a board-certified radiation oncologist. We can direct you to a radiation oncologist who can offer a more thorough understanding of this treatment and discuss whether it’s the right option for you.
For more information on the comparison between Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Radiation Therapy (GentleCure), click on the links below.
